New Mexico communities prepare for more monsoon rains and potential flooding
After last week’s devastating floods across New Mexico, residents and officials are bracing for another round of heavy rainfall on already saturated ground.
New Mexico is preparing for another round of monsoon rains this week, with communities across the state bracing for potential flooding after last week’s catastrophic storms.
Last week’s flooding caused significant damage in various areas, including a van being swallowed by floodwaters north of Española, a flooded park in Clovis, water rescues in Mora County and evacuated homes in Hondo.
The storms also resulted in one confirmed death—a utility lineman in Clovis who was attempting to restore power during the storms.
In Ruidoso, a community particularly vulnerable to flooding due to burn scars from past wildfires, crews are working to prepare for emergencies.
“As soon as it starts raining, we’re in constant contact with the National Weather Service,” Kerry Gladden, public information officer for the Village of Ruidoso, said. “We deploy our people to these certain spots that run that equipment. They know exactly what to do in those particular situations.”
Gladden also noted, “Once you’ve gone through a wildfire, you know that burn scar flooding follows. It’s just part of where we live, and so you just do what you can to be prepared.”
In Gallup, residents are adjusting to frequent storms after being hit by back-to-back weather events over the summer.
Gallup’s mayor, Marc DePauli, said flooding preparation has become a new norm.
“People are getting used to it,” he said. “As you drive down, everybody has sandbags on their front porch and their doors.”
In Mora County, Sheriff Americk Padilla emphasized the importance of community support during these challenging times.
“The amazing part about working in a small rural community, like where we’re at right now, is we know a large majority of people. And that’s what we’re banking off of right now. And we’re just utilizing the buddy system,” Padilla said.
Officials are urging residents to stay safe and prepared. If a flood warning is issued, they recommend having an evacuation plan, moving to higher ground, and avoiding flooded roads.
From small towns to larger cities, New Mexicans are leaning on one another for support as they face the challenges of the monsoon season.
