‘Wake-Up Call’: Rep. Darby calls for action after Texas flood devastation

SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — In the wake of recent flooding across West Texas and the Hill Country, HD 72 State Representative Drew Darby is urging residents to report damage as the state assesses eligibility for disaster relief and explores long-term emergency preparedness.

“It’s important that we — to get recovery aid — we need to have everybody that has sustained damages register those,” said the lawmaker, who spoke at a media briefing in San Angelo on Monday afternoon and toured hard-hit areas over the weekend in the Hill Country. “We need them to register and note those damages so that we can total all that up and check the eligibility requirements.”

Representative Darby, who visited flood-ravaged areas in Frio Canyon and along the Guadalupe River in Kerrville, described the devastation as a wake-up call for state preparedness.

“This is an occurrence that I think the state needs to be better prepared for — to meet emergency needs when they come,” he said. “Hopefully in this special session, the governor will have this added to the call.”

The special session, set to begin July 21, could include proposals from the regular legislative session such as House Bill 13. That bill sought to create an “Interoperability Council,” funded by state dollars, to study and deploy early warning systems across vulnerable regions.

“We need a response. We need a warning system,” he said. “We need that funded by the state and in participation with our local government.”

The republican lawmaker emphasized the importance of proactive infrastructure not only in the Hill Country but also in areas like North Texas and the Panhandle, which have recently battled wildfires.

Darby also praised San Angelo’s resilience and volunteer efforts, referencing a recent visit to a local emergency response facility.

“I was just out at the PaulAnn facility. I’m always amazed at the volunteerism and the love and the prayerful response that this community gives,” he said.

Residents were encouraged to continue working with local officials and stay engaged as the state moves toward legislative solutions.