Flooding in the U.S. Southwest leaves homes damaged and more rain in the forecast

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Flooding across the U.S. Southwest was still causing damage on Monday, with officials in New Mexico, Colorado and Utah watching forecasts for more rain as they dealt with evacuations, cut-off neighborhoods and costly recovery work. In New Mexico alone, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said the damage after more than four days of flooding could total as much as $300 million.

New Mexico faces major recovery costs

Flooding along the San Juan and Animas rivers left hundreds of homes evacuated or unreachable by road in places including Farmington, New Mexico, and Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Some homes were still without power while officials worked to decide when residents could safely return and when utilities could be restored.

Lujan Grisham said the state needs to move quickly with recovery money and other support. President Donald Trump announced federal disaster assistance for New Mexico, with a 25% match required from state agencies. The governor said she would frontload state resources while recovery plans were put together.

She said the long-term work of debris removal and repairs to roads and bridges could be expensive, estimating the total at up to $300 million. According to her, the state and federal response needs to cover every available source of help.

Deaths and rescues reported in New Mexico

At least two deaths were reported in New Mexico, according to authorities. Isabelle Beulaygue, 39, was swept away Saturday while trying to cross a flooded arroyo in a vehicle in Santa Fe. In Socorro County, Grace Clark, 64, was also swept away as floodwaters rose and trapped residents in their homes.

Valencia County Fire Chief Matthew Propp said nine other people were rescued overnight. County spokesperson Devin Neeley said between 200 and 300 people in San Juan County were rescued over the last few days.

The flooding also spread onto the Navajo Nation, which spans parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. In Farmington, one family said its rental home was filled with muddy water and much of its furniture was ruined after they returned from evacuation.

Colorado and Utah remain under threat

In southern Colorado, Archuleta County officials said the San Juan River had dropped below flood stage Monday for the first time in more than three days after another surge over the weekend. Even so, evacuated areas remained closed, and responders were still checking on people who had not been able to leave because of floodwaters and road damage.

County Sheriff Mike Le Roux said the National Guard and search-and-rescue crews were still helping people who remained cut off. Air operations had already rescued two people, three dogs and two cats from a recreational vehicle that was washed downstream in floodwaters on Friday.

In Utah, the town of Bluff was also ordered to evacuate after San Juan River flooding reached homes and businesses. Mayor Josh Ewing said parts of the town of about 250 people were underwater and that more rain later in the week could bring another round of problems.

Why the flooding matters to residents

The damage goes beyond water on roads and fields. Officials warned people to stay out of floodwaters, especially after wastewater systems were affected. In Montezuma Creek, Utah, the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority said its wastewater treatment lagoons were completely breached, raising concern about bacteria and pathogens in the San Juan River.

For ordinary residents, the immediate concerns are access, safety and the ability to return home. Flooded roads have cut off communities, power has gone out in some places, and officials are still assessing whether homes can be reoccupied. The forecast for more rain means people in the region are being asked to stay alert even as cleanup begins.

• Flooding affected parts of New Mexico, Colorado and Utah.
• New Mexico officials said damage could reach $300 million.
• At least two deaths were reported in New Mexico.
• Hundreds of people were rescued in San Juan County, according to county officials.
• More rain was forecast later in the week.

Source: The Associated Press