The frantic search-and-rescue efforts that defined the past week are beginning to give way to something just as challenging: rebuilding.

Gov. Greg Abbott said Monday that Texas is shifting from emergency response into long-term recovery after catastrophic flooding tore through parts of the state, leaving hundreds of homes damaged and communities facing months of cleanup.

Abbott spent part of the day in Kerrville, one of the areas hit hardest by the floods, taking an aerial tour of neighborhoods, roads, bridges and other infrastructure that suffered heavy damage. From the air, officials were able to see the full extent of the destruction left behind as swollen rivers and creeks overwhelmed communities during the severe weather.

After the flight, Abbott met with state and local emergency officials to discuss where recovery efforts stand and what still needs to be done.

"I want to thank all the first responders, volunteers, and our fellow Texans for the swift and effective response to the floods," Abbott said in a news release. "We are now transitioning into the process of cleanup and rebuilding."

As the floodwaters have receded, the scope of the destruction has come into focus.

According to Abbott, preliminary damage assessments show that roughly 490 homes were damaged during the flooding. State officials are continuing to inspect affected areas, meaning that number could change as crews complete additional assessments.

For the families who lost homes or watched floodwaters rip through their neighborhoods, the recovery won't happen overnight. Before rebuilding can begin, communities must clear debris, repair damaged infrastructure and restore essential services. In many places, roads and bridges must be repaired before contractors and utility crews can even reach some damaged areas.

Abbott said the state is working closely with local governments to help move that process along.

"The state is working with local officials to expedite debris removal and accelerate the rebuilding process," he said.

Removing debris is often one of the first major steps after a disaster. Fallen trees, damaged buildings, mud and scattered wreckage can block roads and create safety hazards, making it difficult for residents to return home and for repair crews to begin their work. State and local officials say getting those obstacles cleared as quickly as possible is critical to helping communities recover.

Even though the focus is beginning to shift toward recovery, Texas isn't scaling back its emergency response.

The state remains in an elevated response posture and continues to provide whatever resources local communities need. Those resources include emergency personnel, aircraft, rescue boats, high-water vehicles and other equipment supporting response and recovery efforts.

Abbott was joined during Monday's helicopter tour by Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd and Texas Military Department Adjutant General Thomas Suelzer.

Following the aerial assessment, the governor met with emergency managers for updates on ongoing search and rescue operations, debris removal, infrastructure repairs and overall recovery efforts.

Officials made it clear that while cleanup is underway, the work is far from finished. Recovery efforts will continue even as search operations remain active in some areas, with state and local agencies coordinating resources where they are needed most.

Abbott also urged Texans to stay alert, especially in areas that remain vulnerable to changing weather conditions. He encouraged residents to keep an eye on local forecasts, avoid driving across flooded roadways and follow directions from local and state emergency officials.

It's a reminder Texans know well but one that bears repeating after every major flood. Roads that appear passable can still be dangerous, and conditions can change quickly when additional rain falls. Emergency officials continue to monitor conditions statewide and are encouraging residents to avoid unnecessary travel in areas where flooding remains a concern.

The governor also encouraged Texans who want to help flood victims to donate through Rebuild Texas, an organization that provides assistance to communities recovering from natural disasters. While emergency crews handle the immediate response, recovery organizations often provide support long after the headlines fade, helping families rebuild their lives and communities recover.

Monday's briefing brought together state and local leaders, including Chief Kidd, General Suelzer, Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly and local emergency management officials, all of whom continue coordinating recovery efforts.

State officials said they'll continue working with local, state and federal partners until affected communities are fully restored.

For residents looking for recovery assistance or disaster information, officials say updates and available resources can be found through the Texas Division of Emergency Management and other official state emergency management agencies. Officials also continue monitoring road conditions across Texas as cleanup and repair work progresses.

The emergency phase may be winding down, but for hundreds of Texas families, the hardest part is just beginning. Homes need to be repaired, neighborhoods need to be cleaned up and communities need time to recover. State leaders say they'll remain on the ground for as long as it takes, but rebuilding after a disaster of this size will be measured in months—not days.