Disaster declared in East Texas following severe weather, Gov. Abbott visits affected area

Gov. Greg Abbott has declared a state of disaster for the counties of Henderson, Rains and Van Zandt after severe weather swept through the area on April 29. Four confirmed tornadoes hit Northeast Texas in the afternoon and evening, flattening numerous buildings and killing at least 4 people. Many more were left injured, some critically.

The City of Canton, in Van Zandt County, sustained extensive damage from at least two large, long-track tornadoes in and around the city. The Texas State Operations Center has increased to a Level 1 Activation (Maximum Readiness – Emergency Conditions) to support local government requests for state assistance. Gov. Abbott also activated the Texas Emergency Management Council, including Texas Task Forces 1 & 2, in response to the devastation.
Click here to read the disaster proclamation…
Gov. Greg Abbott visited Van Zandt County Sunday following the severe weather. During his visit, Abbott surveyed the damage and received updates from local officials. Following the briefing, the governor held a press conference where he called on Texans to come together to rebuild and help those affected, as well as pray for those who were lost and their families.
“Today is a difficult day for the people of Canton and the surrounding region,” said Abbott. “In response to the devastation, I’m confident Texans will come together to rebuild and help their neighbors in need. I would like to express my deepest sorrow to the families of those lost, and thank the first responders for their preparedness and efforts to keep Texans safe.”
View a full list of state agencies that are currently engaged in the response and recovery effort.
Click here to see pictures from Abbott’s visit to East Texas…