Abbott declares state of emergency for 7 Texas counties

Photo byBrandon Bell/Getty (File)

Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for seven East Texas counties that were impacted by severe storms and flooding from the past week.

According to a release from the governor, Hardin, Jasper, Jefferson, Newton, Panola, Shelby and Tyler counties continue to be impacted by the flooding that began last week affecting homes, businesses and agriculture industries.

Local and state officials have been assessing damage across East Texas, and as flood waters recede, officials expect initial damage assessments to continue.

Residents are encouraged to self-report damage to homes and businesses using the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT). The governor said information provided in the reports will help identify immediate resources and aid needed for disaster assistance.

KETK has been following flood and severe weather damages across East Texas since April 9.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office said several county roads were impassable and people were told to avoid the area. Anyone facing emergency situations were asked to call 911.

In Panola County, multiple roads were impassible due to flooding. The sheriff’s office reported that CR 336, also known as Old Town Road, was closed due to a washout near FM 31.

Panola County Judge Rodger McLane declared a disaster for the county on Thursday at 4 p.m. following extensive flooding.

McLane said due to severe weather the county was in imminent threat of “additional widespread storms or severe damage, injury, or loss of life or property resulting from countywide severe weather conditions.”

Due to severe weather, McLane said flooding in populated areas had caused major damages to roads and bridges preventing access or providing a sage passage on many roadways in the County.

Officials in Panola County also agreed to stage a Texas Military Department Ground Transportation and two swift water boat squads in Joaquin.