PERRYTON, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott gave an update Saturday on the state’s response to the Perryton tornado that killed at least three people and left several others injured.
During the press conference, held around 1 p.m. in Perryton, the governor announced he would add five more counties that were impacted by severe storms to the state’s disaster declaration.
Those counties include Franklin, Harrison, Marion, Upshur and Wood counties, according to a press release.
“One thing that you see epitomized when you come into a room like this and visit with local officials and first responders can be summed up in one word: resiliency,” said Governor Abbott during the press conference. “What Texans in Perryton have gone through over the past couple of days have been nothing short of horrific. At the same time, it’s encouraging and inspiring to see the way the community has come together to rebuild. But the one thing that cannot be rebuilt is a life. Unfortunately, this devastating storm took three lives. Our prayers remain with the families of those who did lose a loved one. I ask all Texans to join us in praying for healing and hope for the people devastated by this tragic tornado. I want to thank state and local officials, as well as neighboring states, that have come together to respond to this horrific storm.”
Joining the governor during the press conference on Saturday included Sen. Ted Cruz, Rep. Four Price, Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Chief Nim Kidd, Perryton Mayor Kerry Symons, Police Chief Nick Yara, Fire Chief and EMS Director Paul Dutcher, Orchiltree County Sheriff Terry Bouchard, and several others, according to a press release.
Those who were impacted by the storms are urged to complete TDEM’s Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) and report damages to receive federal disaster assistance.
You can learn more about the survey here.