Texas flood damage has left three people dead and prompted more than 500 rescues across central and South Texas. Gov. Greg Abbott visited Cotulla as the Nueces River receded, while officials warned of downstream flooding and expanded disaster aid efforts.
Abbott surveys Cotulla flood damage
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott visited Cotulla in La Salle County to inspect flood damage, meet residents and outline the state response after days of heavy rain pushed the Nueces River into major flood stage. Flooded roads and neighborhoods remained difficult to reach across parts of central and South Texas.
Third death confirmed as rescues continue
Abbott said a third person died after being swept away while attempting to drive through floodwater. Two earlier deaths involved a motorist near Uvalde and John Mark Steward, 65, whose mobile home was carried into Goat Creek near Kerrville.
Emergency crews have rescued more than 500 people, including residents trapped in vehicles, homes and other flooded areas.
Nueces River flooding threatens downstream communities
The Nueces River reached about 29 feet near Cotulla before beginning to recede. Officials warned that elevated water could continue moving downstream into early August. Some areas received more than 2 feet of rain, flooding rural communities, closing highways and damaging a bridge over the river in Uvalde County.
Near Ozona, floodwater crossed Interstate 10, and rescue teams evacuated residents from apartments and an RV park. Some Uvalde homeowners reported up to 6 feet of water inside their properties. The Texas Hill Country is especially vulnerable because thin soil over limestone can send heavy rainfall rapidly into narrow river channels.
Disaster aid and recovery efforts expand
Texas has declared a disaster in 59 counties and requested federal assistance for 33 as damage assessments continue. State officials said more counties could be added if conditions warrant.
Abbott urged residents to avoid flooded roads and directed people seeking to support recovery efforts to RebuildTx.org. Officials remain focused on rescues, road access, damage assessments and the risk that high river levels may affect additional downstream communities.
