McALLEN, Texas ( Border Report ) – Republican Sen. John Cornyn, of Texas, sent a letter Friday to President Trump asking for more help for flood-stricken South Texas, Border Report has learned.

“Additional federal assistance is essential to protect lives, property, and public health,” Cornyn wrote in a letter that Border Report obtained.

Some parts of the Rio Grande Valley received over 20 inches of rain overnight on March 27 after strong storms moved through the border region.

At least two deaths have been attributed to the storms and wide-spread flooding that resulted after standing water built up and entered homes, businesses and still remains in some neighborhoods.

“The prolonged displacement caused by damaged homes, businesses, and essential infrastructure adds to the challenges faced by affected Texans,” Cornyn wrote.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on March 29 declared a state disaster for the South Texas counties of Hidalgo, Cameron, Willacy and Starr. And he has formally requested an emergency disaster declaration by federal officials.

Cornyn’s letter emphasized the need for such a categorization, which would enable qualifying affected areas to receive necessary federal aid and assistance.

“The Governor and local officials have determined that the severity and scale of the storm exceed the response capabilities of both state and local governments,” Cornyn said. “I appreciate your attention to this matter and urge you to provide all available resources from the federal government.”

Despite nearly $400 million spent on drainage infrastructure projects in Hidalgo County since 2018, the flat topography of the region and existing aging infrastructure prevented the water from flowing east to the Gulf. And an emergency backup system — to use the Arroyo Colorado — proved clogged with vegetation and debris and ineffective in rapidly moving water.

The U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission has since hired a Denver contractor to clear and dredge the Arroyo Colorado.