Dozens Cleaning Up After Levee Breach

A south central El Paso neighborhood is dealing with the muddy aftermath of a breached levee. On Saturday several homes were flooded out and dozens of people were forced to evacuate when waves of water from the Franklin Canal gushed into the 7000 block of Ramos Court. Now devastated homeowners are assessing the damage and cleaning up.

“I’m shocked. I don’t know where to begin,” said Inocenta Espinoza. “I’ve been here for 40 years,” she said through tears. “I have happy memories throughout this whole house. Now it’s all gone.”

The El Paso County Water Improvement District, a tax-funded state entity, is responisble for maintaining the levee that breached. General Manager Jesus Reyes said his office is picking up the initial cleaning costs in the homes. They are waiting to hear back from their insurance company to see how much additional damage will be covered.

“We’ll stay in touch with (the residents) and we’re going to have crews out here tomorrow and the next day until we get everything cleaned up. I’m expecting a quick response from our insurance company,” said Reyes.

Reyes said the breach in the levee was caused by gophers.

It’s unclear when the homeowners will be able to move back in for good. City inspectors must first clear the homes of any health hazards. In the meantime, many are staying with friends and relatives or at a nearby hotel.