The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has asked the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to join state and local partners in conducting preliminary damage assessments in El Paso County communities affected by recent heavy rainfall and flooding, the agency announced Nov. 5.
The assessments are a step toward determining whether the state meets the thresholds for federal disaster assistance, according to TDEM.
“TDEM continues to work alongside local officials to support El Paso County residents as flood recovery efforts continue,” said Texas Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd. “These assessments will help determine whether the state meets the thresholds for federal disaster assistance.”
TDEM said officials continue to review disaster damage information self-reported by Texans through the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) survey. The agency urged affected Texans to report damage to homes and businesses at damage.tdem.texas.gov when it is safe to do so.
According to the agency, submitting a damage report helps state and local officials assess the full extent of the disaster and determine what additional resources may be needed for impacted communities. The information also helps officials identify whether federal requirements for various forms of disaster assistance have been met.
TDEM said state resources remain engaged to support local response and recovery efforts, and a state disaster declaration remains in place for El Paso County after severe storms brought heavy rainfall and flash flooding to portions of Far West Texas late last month.