Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday signed a major disaster declaration for 28 Texas counties devastated by days of historic flooding that has claimed at least two lives and triggered hundreds of water rescues across the state.

Abbott announced the declaration during a news conference in Uvalde County, one of the areas hardest hit by the week's torrential rainfall.

The governor said the declaration will be submitted to President Donald Trump for federal approval, a step that would make affected communities eligible for federal disaster assistance.

Abbott said additional counties could be added to the declaration as damage assessments continue.

At least two flood-related deaths have been confirmed, including one person in Uvalde County and another in Kerr County.

State officials said emergency crews have rescued more than 270 people during the flooding, while local first responders in Uvalde and Zavala counties have carried out more than 300 additional rescues.

The flooding followed days of relentless rainfall that dumped months' worth of precipitation across portions of South and Central Texas, overwhelming rivers, creeks and low-water crossings.

Uvalde County experienced some of the most severe impacts, particularly along the Nueces River, where floodwaters damaged infrastructure and caused part of a bridge to collapse.

A spokesperson for the Texas Department of Transportation said engineers are assessing the damage but could not provide an estimated timeline for reopening or repairing the bridge.

The disaster declaration spans 20 pages and authorizes state resources to support emergency response and recovery efforts while the federal government reviews Texas' request for additional assistance.

Emergency officials continue urging residents to avoid flooded roads, heed evacuation orders and remain alert as rivers and streams remain elevated in parts of the state.

Damage assessments are ongoing, and state officials said the number of affected counties could increase as floodwaters recede and crews inspect impacted communities.