"We must ensure better preparation in the future," Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said in a statement posted on social media.

Dozens gathered Sunday in front of the Texas Governor’s Mansion to kick off a week of protests and public comments against the Texas Legislature's special session. The group gathered to hear speakers address a range of issues that will be brought up in the special session including: the slated redistricting of the state's congressional seats;

In the Austin area, 12 people are still missing and 16 are known to have perished after rain swept away homes along rivers and creeks.