Volunteers pack emergency distribution boxes that will be given out to residents in need after the winter storm Uri at the Houston Food Bank on Saturday in Houston, Texas. Photo: AFP

Texas authorities have restored power statewide bringing relief after days of unprecedentedly frigid temperatures, but millions were still struggling Saturday without safe, drinkable water.

"Due to lack of power, frozen pipes, high use at certain times, we've seen the number of systems go up that are reporting [water] issues," Toby Baker, executive director of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality told reporters during a televised briefing.

Water problems, he said, were impacting about 14.3 million residents out of a total population of around 29 million, as officials distributed fresh water and food to thousands of people.

Utility operations had returned to normal, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) reported on Friday, but more than 50,000 customers were still without power as of Saturday while crew members struggled to repair downed lines, according to the website poweroutage.us.

As the stark toll of the fierce storm grew clearer across the south-central region - approximately 70 deaths have been attributed to the cold wave - US President Joe Biden issued a major disaster declaration for 77 of the hardest-hit Texas counties.

That declaration authorizes the Homeland Security Department and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate disaster relief efforts and expedite assistance.

AFP