NEWS
Governor issues executive order in response to recent floods in western New Mexico
Gallup received about 5 inches of rain since July 16; chances for more rain expected this week, according to the National Weather Service
Published
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an executive order on Friday allocating $500,000 to support flood response efforts across the western side of the state.
The money will go toward assisting with flood response efforts, which include providing sandbags and National Guard support to places in need, along with 鈥渙ther eligible requests from local, county, or tribal emergency managers,鈥� Danielle Silva, New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) spokesperson, said in a news release.
鈥淭he team in the State Emergency Operations Center and the National Guard are well-postured to assist communities across the state in their flood response efforts,鈥� Maj. Gen. Aguilar, interim DHSEM Cabinet secretary, said in a statement. 鈥淲e appreciate the governor鈥檚 swift action in allocating resources and will work diligently to provide the support that local responders need.鈥�
City of Gallup and Zuni Pueblo officials could not be for comment on Sunday.
Since July 16, parts of Gallup received 5.24 inches of precipitation, said Michael Anand, National Weather Service of Albuquerque meteorologist.
Last week, rain caused a waterline break and flooding in Gallup and the Zuni Pueblo, which prompted the pueblo to declare an emergency and issue evacuation notices. As of Friday, American Red Cross New Mexico was people in the pueblo.
Another flood watch was put into effect on Sunday in the Gallup area, which, along with 鈥渧ery unstable atmospheric conditions,鈥� caused Sunday鈥檚 Route 66 Rides Balloon Mass Ascension to be canceled, .
Chances of rain are expected to continue through the week, Anand said.
Silva issued a few reminders for people who may experience flooding: Stay out of the flood waters, pay attention to emergency alerts, get to higher ground if located in a flood prone area and 鈥淭urn around. Don鈥檛 drown.鈥�
Gregory R.C. Hasman is a general assignment reporter and the Road Warrior. If there are places not mentioned on this list, email ghasman@abqjournal.com or 505-823-3820.
