AUSTIN - On Jan 26th, Governor Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for the communities of Southeast Texas in response to severe storms that caused damage to homes and businesses in the region earlier this week. The disaster declaration, initially covering Harris County and Orange County, will spur recovery efforts in the State of Texas in response to extensive tornadic damage in Pasadena, Deer Park, and neighboring southeast Texas communities. . Additional counties may be added to the declaration after damage assessments are completed.

“The State of Texas stands ready to help Texans and businesses affected by tornadoes in southeast Texas communities,” Governor Abbott said. “This disaster declaration will quickly provide all the necessary resources to help Texans navigate the recovery process during this difficult time. Texans affected by severe weather are encouraged to self-report damage to their homes or businesses to iSTAT. As communities affected by these tornadoes begin their road to recovery, I ask Texans to join in praying for these communities."

At the Governor's direction, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) deployed state emergency responders to affected areas to conduct preliminary damage assessments in conjunction with local emergency response officers, with those efforts continuing during this week. The governor also directed TDEM to prepare response resources beginning earlier in the week and activated state resources in support of local officials responding throughout Texas.

TDEM has requested the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide personnel to participate in joint preliminary damage assessments for damage certification. This effort will help determine if Texas meets federal disaster assistance requirements.

Yesterday, Governor Abbott urged all affected Texans to complete the damage reporting survey to help emergency management officials understand the extent of the damage that occurred during the recent severe weather. The survey can be accessed by visiting damage.tdem.texas.gov and is available in English and Spanish. Reporting damage to TDEM is a voluntary activity, is not a substitute for reporting damage to an insurance agency, and does not guarantee disaster assistance.

Read the governor's disaster declaration.

Video tutorials to explain how to complete the iSTAT surveys are available in English and Spanish.