More flood-ravaged Texas counties seek help

Floodwaters from the Guadalupe River surround a home Sunday near New Braunfels.

NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas (CNN) -- With residents starting to return to their waterlogged homes Monday in flood-ravaged Texas, the Federal Emergency Management Agency was assessing whether to add more counties to the federal disaster list.

While the rain has stopped, CNN meteorologist Chad Myers said the danger is not over. The runoff streaming toward the Gulf of Mexico could elevate river levels in east and east-central Texas. And there are fears of more rainfall in coming days.

David Passey, a FEMA spokesman, said a request from Texas Gov. Rick Perry to designate 17 more counties disaster areas was in process. President Bush has already designated 13 counties.

"We recognize that there have been additional counties that have suffered damage," Passey said.

Federal disaster status would allow people and businesses to get loans and grants to cover cleanup, repairs, crisis counseling and unemployment assistance.

Perry said Texas, swamped by steady downpours since July 1, faced broad devastation. Eight people have died and about 48,000 residents have been affected, officials said.

CNN NewsPass VIDEO Texas Gov. Rick Perry asks the federal government to assist the estimated 48,000 people affected by heavy flooding. CNN affiliate KPRC reports. (July 7) Play video   GALLERY Images of the flooding in Texas    EXTRA INFORMATION Map of the area

In the San Antonio area, last week's downpour sent water surging over spillways and caused the Guadalupe River to rise over its banks. Heavy rain over the weekend pounded the Abilene region in west Texas.

National Guard troops, helicopters and rescue boats were dispatched to several counties. Some troops stationed in evacuated neighborhoods are on the lookout for looters.

The Red Cross said Monday only 100 people were in shelters, and only seven shelters remained open, down from 37 at the peak of the flooding.

Although most people have moved back to their homes, many are still using Red Cross facilities for food and other support. So far, the Red Cross has served 13,000 meals, said spokeswoman Donna Goughy.