Trey Pike drives a logging skidder carrying residents of the flooded Knights Forest subdivision in Hardin, Texas. Pike used the vehicle to transport residents, as well as needed supplies, in and out of the flooded subdivision. (AP)
President Barack Obama has signed a disaster declaration for Texas after severe flooding this week.
The White House said Obama declared that he ordered federal aid to supplement other recovery efforts in the area affected by severe weather since May 4.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott had earlier requested a presidential disaster declaration to get federal help for the counties affected.
Officials in a Texas city about 35 miles southwest of Houston have ordered the evacuation of about 50 flood-threatened homes near the Brazos River.
The city of Rosenberg says the mandatory evacuation took effect at 9 p.m. on Friday. Residents in the affected homes will not be allowed to re-enter the evacuated area until it is deemed safe to return.
A Red Cross shelter in the city of Richmond has been set up for residents.