Governor Greg Abbott Issues State Disaster Declaration for El Paso Following Flooding as 29th Bi-National Border Mass Unites Region

Governor Greg Abbott Issues State Disaster Declaration for Flood-Damaged El Paso County

EL PASO, Texas — Responding swiftly to devastating flash floods that swept across the Sun City and Horizon City, Texas Governor Greg Abbott officially issued a State Disaster Declaration for El Paso County on October 31 and November 1, 2026. Severe thunderstorms dropped unprecedented rainfall over short intervals, overwhelming municipal arroyos, damaging residential properties, and prompting rapid emergency evacuations.

The gubernatorial directive mobilizes the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to deploy heavy emergency pumps, emergency highway clearing equipment, and financial relief assessment teams. Local residents were urged to complete the state's Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) surveys to expedite regional recovery grants.

Bishops from Three Dioceses Celebrate 29th Annual Bi-National Border Mass at Old Fort Bliss

Faith, solidarity, and cross-border community shone brightly on Saturday, October 31, as Catholic bishops, clergy, and parish communities from the Diocese of El Paso, the Diocese of Las Cruces, and the Diocese of Ciudad Juárez gathered at ABARA Old Fort Bliss near the U.S.–Mexico border barrier. The congregation celebrated the 29th Annual Bi-National Border Mass, an enduring tradition dedicated to unity, migrant dignity, and spiritual fraternity.

Worshipers stood in communion along both sides of the border corridor, offering prayers for fallen migrants, vulnerable families, and humanitarian peace across the Rio Grande basin.

Sun City Celebrates Inaugural Dia de los Muertos 5K and Prepares for Election Day

El Paso's vibrant cultural heritage took center stage on Halloween morning as hundreds of costumed runners participated in the inaugural Día de los Muertos 5K through scenic West El Paso. Downtown cultural institutions, including the El Paso Museum of History, hosted exhibitions detailing the regional heritage of the borderlands.

Meanwhile, the El Paso County Elections Department completed early voting verification, preparing hundreds of polling sites across El Paso, Socorro, and Anthony for Tuesday’s final general election balloting.