Abbott issues state disaster declaration for El Paso County during visit

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Thursday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced he issued a state disaster declaration for El Paso County following heavy rainfall and flooding.

Gov. Abbott said he issued the declaration to "ensure the full resources of the State of Texas are available to support local response and recovery."

"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," he said.

State emergency response resources deployed by the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) can help at the Governor’s direction.

The self-reporting damage survey is available online.

On Tuesday, El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego signed a local disaster declaration on Tuesday in response to severe weather and flooding. A neighborhood in Horizon City experienced damaging flooding, prompting families to evacuate.

The county shared a flyer of flood assistance resources:

The governor is also in El Paso for a campaign event as he runs for reelection against Democrat Gina Hinojosa.

The El Paso area is expected to see more rainfall Thursday evening.