COTULLA, Texas — Texas officials confirmed a third flood-related death Friday as Gov. Greg Abbott warned that dangerous conditions will continue for communities downstream along the Nueces River for several more days.
Abbott said a person died in Val Verde County after driving into floodwaters on July 20, bringing the statewide death toll from this month’s flooding to three. Previous fatalities were reported in Kerr and Uvalde counties.
The governor announced the death during a visit to the La Salle County Courthouse, where state and local officials assessed flood damage and ongoing recovery efforts.
Abbott credited La Salle County officials with helping prevent additional deaths through early warnings and evacuation efforts before floodwaters reached Cotulla.
The Nueces River crested above 29 feet in Cotulla, inundating homes, businesses and roads. Although water levels have begun to recede, much of La Salle County remains inaccessible, delaying damage assessments.
Following an aerial survey, Abbott said the state gathered additional information to support its request for federal disaster assistance.
The National Weather Service said flooding will continue moving downstream through McMullen and Live Oak counties before reaching Lake Corpus Christi in the coming days because of South Texas’ flat terrain.
Abbott said Texas has deployed more than 2,700 personnel and over 1,400 vehicles, boats and aircraft in response to the flooding. More than 530 people have been rescued statewide.
State officials urged residents to report property damage through the Texas Division of Emergency Management’s online damage assessment portal and seek available recovery assistance as cleanup efforts continue.