Hondo Valley residents recover from flood damage as more rain looms
Residents of Hondo Valley are cleaning up debris and recounting their experiences after floodwaters swept through the area, with rescue teams preparing for potential additional flooding.
HONDO, N.M. —
Residents of Hondo Valley are cleaning up after floodwaters tore through the area on Thursday, leaving behind widespread damage and prompting preparations for more rain.
Broken trees, mud, and debris now cover properties along the Hondo River, illustrating the power of the water as it surged through the valley.
Gary Gordon witnessed the flood firsthand.
“Within a minute, a wall of water makes this corner, which is there’s no longer a corner. It’s just a straight shot now,” Gordon said.
He explained that his roping arena, steers, and several horses were in the flood’s path. Gordon rushed to move the animals to safety.
“By the time I got to the horses, it was about kneecap high. And then for the first one and by the time I got to the last horse, it was up here about where my snaps are on my shirt,” he said.
Farther down the river, 83-year-old Joe Gutierrez recorded the flood as it approached his property.
“I seen this water coming, this mess of water just wide… and I told her to hurry up, get in the truck. Let’s get out of here,” Gutierrez said.
The floodwaters carried away household items, heavy equipment, and even a container that was swept far downstream.
Valencia County Fire announced that members of its swiftwater and highwater rescue team are being deployed to Lincoln County to prepare for potentially dangerous flooding.
In Hondo, neighbors are coming together to support one another.
“There’s been people pulling up and bringing you water, the Red Cross was here, asking if you needed anything, strangers, not just friends, but strangers also,” Gordon said.
The rescue team is expected to remain in Lincoln County through Thursday.
