US President Joe Biden Saturday approved a major disaster declaration for Texas to pave the way for more aid amidst a crippling winter storm.

Residents help a pickup driver get out of ice on the road in Round Rock, Texas, on February 17, 2021, after a winter storm. Millions of people were still without power on Wednesday in Texas, the oil and gas capital of the United States, and facing water shortages as an unusual winter storm pummeled the southeastern part of country. (Photo: AFP)

As of Friday afternoon, 20 people have died in Houston due to severe weather conditions and sprawling blackouts.

The president revealed he plans to visit Texas "as long as his presence is not a burden on relief efforts."