Millions of Texas residents are facing power outages and extreme heat as the aftermath of Tropical Storm Beryl wreaks havoc across the state. Cooling centers and relief efforts have been mobilized to provide respite to affected communities.

A federal disaster declaration was swiftly approved on Tuesday for parts of Texas severely impacted by Beryl. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick confirmed that President Biden granted the request after a phone conversation between the two. This declaration opens the door for funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to aid in recovery efforts.

In neighboring Louisiana, Governor Jeff Landry has declared a state of emergency to facilitate the allocation of state resources to areas affected by the storm.

Beryl made landfall along the Texas Gulf Coast on Monday, subsequently moving up the eastern part of the state. Though it weakened along its path, the storm brought with it high winds, heavy rainfall, flooding, and severe weather conditions to numerous communities. Tragically, at least eight deaths have been reported in connection with the storm in Texas and Louisiana.

The U.S. Coast Guard has also reported significant damage and flooding in certain areas of the region. In response to the power outages and scorching temperatures, cooling centers, food distribution points, and water stations have been set up to provide relief to those in need.

Efforts are underway to restore electricity to the more than 2 million homes, businesses, and utility customers affected by the outages. CenterPoint Energy, a major power provider, projects that approximately one million homes and businesses will have their power restored by the end of Wednesday.

The storm's powerful winds caused extensive damage, with falling tree limbs claiming two lives in Texas. Tragically, in Houston, a civilian employee with the Houston Police Department lost his life while trapped in flooding on Houston Avenue. Another fatality was reported in Louisiana when a resident was struck by a falling tree, possibly caused by a tornado near the town of Benton.

Flooding has been a major issue in several areas due to heavy rainfall and storm surge. Houston alone witnessed 25 water rescues as the city grappled with the deluge. Aerial views from a U.S. Coast Guard flight revealed the widespread inundation along the Texas coast.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire has urged residents to prioritize their safety and check on their neighbors. He assured the community that authorities are working tirelessly to keep everyone secure in this challenging time.

The remnants of Beryl are predicted to bring further severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and the possibility of tornadoes, to parts of the Midwest and Northeast until Wednesday.

As the situation unfolds, it is crucial for affected individuals to stay informed and seek help from designated resources such as cooling centers and food distribution points. Texans can find specific county resources online or search for "Extreme Heat Cooling Centers" through Texas 2-1-1.

The Weather Channel and meteorologists continue to monitor the situation closely to provide the latest forecasts and updates.