Overview:
Three members of a Navajo family died in a flash flood as severe monsoon storms continue to cause widespread flooding, road damage and evacuations across the Navajo Nation, which remains under a state of emergency.
The Navajo Nation remains under a nationwide state of emergency as severe monsoon storms, flash flooding and storm-related damage to roads and infrastructure continue to impact communities across the reservation.
The 25th Navajo Nation Council and Commission on Emergency Management (CEM) convened an emergency special meeting Tuesday and reaffirmed Resolution No. CEM 26-004, which declared a Navajo Nation-wide state of emergency because of the severe weather and flooding.
“The safety of our Navajo people remains our highest priority as severe storms and flash flooding continue across our communities,” CEM Chairman Marcarlo Roanhorse said. “We urge everyone to take flood warnings seriously. Never attempt to walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters, and keep children and family members away from washes, arroyos, and flooded crossings.”
Roanhorse warned that conditions can change within minutes and that water that appears shallow can quickly become life-threatening.
“Please limit unnecessary travel in impacted areas and give our first responders the space they need to safely carry out emergency operations,” he said.
Three family members killed in flash flood
On Wednesday morning, preliminary information indicated that three members of one family died during an active flash flood in the Northern Agency.
The Navajo Nation Department of Health and Division for Children and Family Services will coordinate behavioral and mental health services for the affected family, community members, victims and emergency personnel.
The deaths occurred as emergency responders continued efforts to address widespread flooding and storm damage.
Representatives of the Navajo Department of Transportation (NDOT) and CEM met Wednesday with Navajo Nation Department of Emergency Management (DEM) personnel to receive an updated situational report.
The Navajo Police Department, Navajo Nation Fire Department, Navajo Nation Emergency Medical Services, DEM and Chinle Chapter personnel and officials continue to assist with response operations.
NDOT has also been deployed to assist communities across the Navajo Nation affected by flooding and severe road washouts.
Highway 191 impacted
A preliminary assessment identified U.S. Highway 191 between mileposts 451 and 456 as one of the primary areas affected by the storms. Evacuations were conducted overnight.
The Navajo Nation remains under a flood warning that began at 1 a.m. Wednesday and is expected to remain in effect into Thursday.
Residents are being urged to avoid flooded roads and crossings and to stay away from washes, arroyos and drainage areas.
Flash floods can develop rapidly during severe monsoon storms. Floodwaters may conceal washed-out roadways, debris and other hazards, while even shallow moving water can pose a serious danger.
The CEM is urging residents to monitor official emergency notifications, follow instructions from local authorities and first responders, and avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas.
Chapters can request emergency assistance
Navajo Nation chapters seeking emergency assistance should complete an ICS 213 Resource Request Form and submit it to the Department of Emergency Management.
For emergency management information, residents can contact DEM at 928-871-6892. The DEM fax number is 928-871-7569.
Officials are urging residents to rely on official Navajo Nation emergency notifications for the latest confirmed information as response efforts continue.
