The Trump administration has expanded federal disaster relief to additional counties in Texas following the catastrophic flooding that struck the Hill Country on July 4th. This development comes as President Trump and the First Lady prepare to visit the affected region.
The death toll from this natural disaster now stands at 121, as reported by the Dallas Morning News. However, the situation remains fluid, with an estimated 160 individuals still unaccounted for. The Guadalupe River, swollen by up to 12 inches of rainfall in a matter of hours, devastated areas well beyond its normal course, carrying away people, vegetation, and structures.
Thousands of volunteers are now assisting official response teams in the search for missing persons. The affected area, a rugged, rural region approximately 200 miles west of Houston, has seen unprecedented destruction. President Trump, before departing for Texas, described the damage as “unthinkable” and “horrible,” emphasizing the scale of the disaster.
Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has reported that the state’s request for an expansion of the disaster relief area was approved by the federal government within 24 hours. This swift response indicates the gravity of the situation as perceived by Washington.
Two separate federal programs have been activated: one to assist with state and local infrastructure repairs, and another to provide direct aid to residents in a six-county area. Reports indicate that the latter program may be further expanded as FEMA continues to assess the situation.
Many questions remain about the long-term impact of this disaster on the region and its people. We will continue to monitor developments and bring you the most accurate and up-to-date information as it becomes available.
