Sandoval County Declares Flooding Disaster in Navajo Nation
What happened
Sandoval County declared a flooding disaster in the Navajo Nation on November 3, citing impacts from the Jemez River and Rio Puerco watersheds. Severe flooding that began on October 31 caused a break in an 8-inch water main, washing out water lines and roads in the Torreón and Ojo Encino areas. Additionally, the Ojo Encino Chapter lost electrical service, and operational issues at the Bloomfield water treatment facility reduced the water supply.
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Why it matters
The declaration calls for state and federal assistance to manage the scope and cost of restoration. The loss of potable water threatens public health and safety, and the water supply may remain inadequate even after the damaged main is repaired. Emergency services are currently providing bottled water and potable water tankers.
Flooding has affected parts of the Navajo Nation, with more water expected to move down from Colorado.
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Who's involved
- Sandoval CountyDeclared the flooding disaster in the Navajo Nation
- Navajo NationThe federally recognized Indian tribe affected by the flooding
- Rio PuercoThe river watershed contributing to the flooding
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- Navajo NationSpeculative
Might face increased costs for infrastructure repair and restoration due to physical damage to core water and power systems.
- Federal Emergency Management AgencySpeculative
Could lead to federal resource deployment and aid funding following the disaster declaration.
- New Mexico Department of TransportationSpeculative
Might incur immediate costs for infrastructure repair and restoration due to washed-out roads.
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The entities involved
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Navajo Nation
federally recognized Indian tribe of the United States
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Rio Puerco
river in New Mexico, United States
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Sandoval County
county in New Mexico, United States
Related events
- Local officials in Sierra County, including Danny Jones and Berger, addressed drainage issues and managed emergency response along Rio Puerco.
- Warnings have been issued regarding excessive rainfall and flash floods, following patterns seen in past incidents, affecting the Grand Canyon area.
- A San Juan River surge caused property damage and breached wastewater lagoons in the Navajo Nation.