- United States
- Texas
- Letter
The recent severe rainfall and flooding in the Rio Grande Valley has had a devastating impact on our communities, leaving veterans, the elderly, children, and many others in dire need of assistance. Homes and businesses have been damaged, agricultural industries disrupted, and lives upended. It is crucial that we act swiftly to provide aid and support to those affected. While Governor Abbott's disaster declaration for Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy counties is a positive step, more needs to be done. The state's emergency response resources, including rescue teams, firefighters, and medical personnel, are already deployed and working tirelessly. However, the scale of this disaster necessitates additional resources and support from the federal government. We are requesting immediate aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help our communities recover and rebuild. The impacts of this flooding are far-reaching, affecting vulnerable populations such as veterans, the elderly, and children. They urgently require access to temporary housing, medical care, and other essential services. The agricultural industry, a vital economic driver in our region, has also suffered significant losses. Farms and crops have been inundated, threatening the livelihoods of countless families and workers. FEMA's assistance in assessing damages and providing financial support to affected farmers and agricultural businesses is crucial. Our communities have demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity, but the challenges posed by this natural disaster are immense. We implore you to expedite the process of securing FEMA aid to alleviate the suffering of our citizens and ensure a swift and comprehensive recovery effort. Time is of the essence, and every day without adequate support exacerbates the hardships faced by our most vulnerable populations.