El Paso County officials declared a local disaster on Tuesday after torrential rain on Oct. 23 and Oct. 25 caused severe flooding in Horizon City, damaging property and forcing evacuations. County Judge Ricardo A. Samaniego held a press conference at 2 p.m. on the third floor of the Enrique Moreno County Courthouse, stating that up to 60 homes have been affected.
The declaration, issued under Chapter 418 of the Texas Government Code, enables the county to activate emergency‑management and recovery operations, and to use available resources to protect public safety and assist residents. County Commissioner Iliana Holguín explained that the measure allows crews to drain water, clear debris from public roads, and provide direct help to private properties. It also bypasses the usual “purchasing acts,” letting the county acquire emergency services, equipment, and daily essentials for affected families more quickly.
Holguín said officials are pursuing state and federal grant opportunities to supplement local aid. Residents are urged to document all expenses and damages in case funding becomes available. The Office of Emergency Management, the Sheriff’s Office, Public Works, and Emergency Services District #1 have been on the ground since Monday, deploying nine water‑vacuum trucks to remove standing water.
Deputy Chief Brandon Kovach of the Horizon Fire Department reported that 34 homes are impacted, with 13 evacuations and 20 families sheltering in place. He noted that 10‑12 homes show moderate to major damage. The flooding originated from runoff off the Hueco Tank Mountains, forming a stream that pooled in low‑lying areas of the community.
Local shelters have been set up at Horizon High School. While only a few families used the shelter on the first night, officials said it will remain open through Saturday for anyone needing temporary housing. The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is coordinating with the Texas Department of Public Safety to use a helicopter for aerial assessments of water sources.
Residents expressed frustration over the unprecedented nature of the event. Long‑time homeowner George, who has lived in the neighborhood for 40 years, said, “We’ve never been flooded before, and most of us don’t have insurance.” Another resident, Doris Foix, noted the community’s uncertainty about next steps.
The disaster declaration reflects the current administration’s emphasis on empowering local leaders to safeguard families and uphold community resilience. By streamlining procurement and tapping state and federal resources, El Paso County aims to restore normalcy swiftly and protect the well‑being of its citizens.
What’s next: The shelter at Horizon High School will stay open until Saturday. County officials expect additional rain later this week and will continue monitoring water levels, erosion risks, and property damage. Residents should keep records of losses and stay tuned for updates on grant assistance and recovery services.
Sources: kvia.com, kfoxtv.com, kvia.com
