Climateupdated 1h ago2 min read
Archive photo · 22 July 2009Trump Signs Emergency Declaration for Northern New Mexico Flooding, FEMA Covers 75%
“‘The federal money, based on reimbursments, it is really slow,’ Lujan Grisham said.”
“President Donald Trump on Monday announced federal disaster assistance would be available to New Mexico with 25% to be matched by agencies in the state.”
Photo: AllenS, Public domain · Cropped for layout
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President Trump signed an emergency declaration to unlock federal funds for northern New Mexico floods. Damage could reach $300 million in Four Corners, including San Juan County.
Aid, costs, and counties
President Donald Trump signed an emergency declaration on Monday designating federal funds for northern New Mexico communities affected by major flooding from a powerful storm that swept the state late last week.
The declaration authorized the Federal Emergency Management Agency to cover 75% of eligible costs for emergency assistance, leaving the remaining 25% for the state to match.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham described San Juan County as the “heart of the devastation” and said the storm produced heavy rainfall and unleashed a rare tornado in south-central Santa Fe Saturday night.
Officials said the order includes federal resources deployed to protect lives and property in San Juan, Cibola, Rio Arriba and Sandoval counties, and it also designates funds for Acoma Pueblo, the Jicarilla Apache Tribe, Laguna Pueblo, San Ildefonso Pueblo and Zia Pueblo.
County Manager Mike Stark told reporters, “This is still a disaster zone,” as evacuation orders remained in effect and emergency workers began surveying the flood zone.
Matching requirement and deaths
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said the federal money, “based on reimbursments, it is really slow,” and she criticized the requirement that it needs a 25 percent match by the local community.
President Donald Trump announced federal disaster assistance would be available to New Mexico with 25% to be matched by agencies in the state, as New Mexico assessed damage and awaited aid.
NBC News reported that at least two deaths were reported in New Mexico, including Isabelle Beulaygue, 39, who was swept away while attempting to cross a flooded arroyo in a vehicle Saturday in Santa Fe.
NBC News also reported that 64-year-old Grace Clark was swept away in Socorro County as floodwaters rose and trapped residents in their homes.
San Juan County officials said evacuation orders remained in effect as emergency workers conducted door-to-door checks to search for stranded residents and assessed neighborhoods ahead of utility restoration.
Hazards, power, and next rain
San Juan County officials warned evacuees not to return as floodwaters receded, citing contaminated water, downed power lines and possible gas leaks.
San Juan County Fire Chief David Vega said floodwater carries gasoline, diesel, pesticides, fertilizer, raw sewage and oilfield production water, and he advised anyone exposed to floodwater to remove their clothing outdoors, bag it and wash it separately from other laundry.
Farmington Electric Utility System reported that about 400 customers remained without power because service was deliberately disconnected for safety, and the utility said residents returning to affected areas should report downed lines and assume all electrical equipment is still carrying electricity.
County officials described the flooded areas as “a disaster zone” and said flooded drywall, carpet, clothing and spoiled food will not be accepted at county landfills or transfer stations while officials develop a debris removal plan.
Officials said another storm could arrive Thursday and continue through the weekend, possibly matching the strength of the previous storm, and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said residents should not return until the next rainstorm has passed.