EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — Three days after floodwaters swept through a Horizon City neighborhood, El Paso County crews were still working to help families clean up as officials warned that removing water is only the first step.
“Right now, the focus is the water removal, but after that’s done, there’s gonna be so much debris that’s going to have to be removed from the homes as well as the roadways, so that’s gonna the next priority,” said El Paso County Commissioner Iliana Holguin, who represents the area.
Holguin said the county doubled its vacuum trucks from 10 to about 20, adding private contractors after Tuesday’s disaster declaration.
Jordan Salas reports on El Paso County identifies possible cause of Horizon City flooding as cleanup continues (Credit: KFOX)
RECOMMENDED: El Paso County issued disaster declaration after Horizon City flooding
El Paso County Public Works said preliminary information indicates a berm, or raised dirt barrier, collapsed in the Mountain Shadow Estates area, allowing rainwater to reach the neighborhood. County officials also confirmed 38 homes were affected.
One homeowner allowed a look inside his damaged home but asked not to appear on camera. He said his power was restored, but he turned it back off over concerns about water damage. Inside, mud and dirt covered the living room, kitchen and bedroom floors, requiring a flashlight to see the damage.
In the county’s latest update from El Paso Electric, 25 of 27 homes that had their power disconnected have been reconnected.
Horizon City resident Andres, who asked that his last name not be used, described watching the water rise in the neighborhood.
“You just start seeing the water rising. At first, I thought it was a water line break,” Andres said.
Andres said his home avoided much of the damage inside because it sits at a higher elevation.
“It like barely went in there, but not really because we’re at a higher elevation here. So you know thank God for that. But my neighbors got it really bad,” he said.
The Red Cross opened a temporary shelter at Horizon High School after Monday’s flooding, but volunteers there said no one had used it, and the gym was empty when KFOX14/CBS4 visited.
El Paso County is also holding a community meeting Thursday, Oct. 29, at 8 a.m. at the Sheriff’s Office staging area, located at 15921 Horizon Boulevard. County officials said the meeting will provide residents affected by the flooding with updates on cleanup efforts and available emergency assistance.
RECOMMENDED: El Paso County leaders to update Horizon City residents after flooding
In the neighborhood, local church volunteers also stepped in to help. Pastor Josue Lopez of Centro Nueva Vida Iglesia Apostólica said the church gathered food for people affected by the flooding.
“We’re trying to help the community. Bring them them some burritos to help,” Lopez said. “They’re sad because of that situation, but we pray for them.”
Andres said the willingness to help is something he has long associated with the area.
“You know, everybody looks out for each other here. It’s a nice neighborhood,” he said.
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