HOUSTON (WBAP/KLIF News) – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) said he’s working to secure a federal disaster declaration for this week’s flooding in and around Houston.
“Texans are resilient,” said Cornyn. “In the Houston region, where I happened to be born, we are use to storms that cause that kind of flooding.”
At least eight people have died in the storms that dumped more than a foot of water on the region.
Nearly a dozen Red Cross shelters have opened to help hundreds of flood evacuees. “Amidst this tragedy, Texans have been quick to help one another. Crews have performed more than a thousand rescues as of yesterday afternoon. Even one TV reporter on location covering the story rushed to help rescue an elderly man from a flooded underpass,” Cornyn said.
The flooding has caused more than $5 billion in damage.
Gov. Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster for nine counties in southeast Texas.
“The rebuilding effort will be a long one, and one that will require support from officials at all levels. Going forward, I will do everything I can do to help mobilize federal resources for the Houston area should the Governor determine a federal disaster declaration is necessary. In the meantime, our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Houston and other affected areas in Texas, and we hope and pray for their safety and for their fast recovery,” Cornyn added.
Copyright 2016. WBAP/KLIF News. All Rights Reserved.