“President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Texas and ordered federal assistance to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe winter storms beginning on February 11, 2021, and continuing,” a White House statement said.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in the counties of Texas, the statement noted.

The freezing temperatures and extreme conditions have so far left approximately 70 people across the state.