As a result of a deadly winter storm, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) declared a public health emergency in Texas on February 18 local time.
Acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Norris Cochran said that it will be ready to provide assistance to individuals and families severely affected by the disaster in Texas.
President Biden declared a state of emergency in the state last week, and the U.S. Department of Health said that the state of emergency declarations provide greater flexibility for health care providers to help people in need of health services during disasters.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott warned that the residents of the state “have not come out of difficulties”, the state is still extremely cold, and south-central Texas continues to be threatened by winter storms.
As of February 18, about 325,000 households and businesses in Texas were still without electricity.
Inclement weather also damaged the state’s drinking water system, and as low temperatures damaged infrastructure and pipelines, authorities ordered residents to boil tap water before drinking.
