Gov. Greg Abbott issued a state disaster declaration for El Paso County on Oct. 29 following heavy rainfall and flooding that has affected communities in the Far West Texas region, according to a release from the governor’s office.
In the accompanying proclamation, the governor certified that the severe storm event that began Oct. 23, including heavy rainfall and flash flooding, poses a threat of imminent disaster, including widespread and severe property damage, injury or loss of life in El Paso County. The proclamation cites Section 418.014 of the Texas Government Code as the authority for the declaration.
“I issued a state disaster declaration for El Paso County to ensure the full resources of the State of Texas are available to support local response and recovery after heavy rainfall and flooding,” Abbott said. “Texans affected by this storm should report damage through the iSTAT survey once it is safe so officials can assess needs and eligibility for federal assistance. Texans must never drive through flooded roads and should follow guidance from local officials.”
Under the proclamation, the governor authorized the use of all available resources of state government and of political subdivisions that are reasonably necessary to cope with the disaster. Regulatory statutes and agency rules that would hinder or delay necessary action may be suspended upon written approval of the Office of the Governor, and the governor authorized suspension of state contracting and procurement rules to the extent they would impede an emergency response necessary to protect life or property.
The governor’s office said state emergency response resources deployed by the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) at the governor’s direction remain engaged in support of local response and recovery efforts.
When it is safe, the governor urged Texans affected by the recent rain and flooding to report damage using TDEM’s Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) survey at damage.tdem.texas.gov. The office said the information helps emergency management officials understand the damage, determine whether federal requirements for disaster assistance have been met and identify immediate resource needs.
With additional rainfall and flooding threats continuing, the office reminded Texans to monitor local forecasts, follow guidance from emergency management officials and never drive through flooded roadways. Flood safety information is available at TexasReady.gov, road conditions at DriveTexas.org, flood information at TexasFlood.org and preparedness tips at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.