Cameron County enters state of disaster amid ongoing drought

CAMERON COUNTY, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Cameron County has announced it is entering a State of Disaster due to the ongoing drought.

A release from Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr. stated that due to the serious drought conditions and low precipitation, it has marked low water levels at the Amistad and Falcon Reservoirs.

"On July 8, 2022, Texas Governor Greg Abbot has issued a disaster proclamation certifying that exceptional drought conditions posed a threat of imminent disaster in several Texas counties, including Cameron," the release stated.

On March 17, Gov. Abbot extended the disaster proclamation to September 16.

Additionally, on Jan. 10 and March 12, Judge Treviño sent out letters to the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken notifying government officials of the water shortage crisis and the request for immediate assistance.

Judge Treviño and Cameron County Commissioners say they are continuing to advocate for Mexico to release the water, they say is owed to the U.S. and monitor the water levels at the Amistad and Falcon Reservoirs.