New Mexico Flood Damage Estimated at $300 Million

Damage in New Mexico from four days of flooding could total $300 million, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said on Monday. The estimate covers debris removal, road and bridge repairs, and other long-term recovery efforts. The state faces further rain this weekend after a brief dry spell.

The governor announced that federal disaster assistance is available for New Mexico. The federal government will match 25% of state resources. Lujan Grisham said she would frontload state funds to begin recovery work immediately. She stated she would identify every local, state, and federal resource available for the effort.

At least two people died in the state during the recent flooding. Isabelle Beulaygue, 39, died Saturday in Santa Fe after her vehicle was swept away in a flooded arroyo. Grace Clark, 64, died in Socorro County when rising floodwaters trapped residents. Valencia County Fire Chief Matthew Propp reported that nine other people were rescued during overnight operations in the area.

Between 200 and 300 people were rescued in San Juan County over the last few days, according to county spokesperson Devin Neeley. Hundreds of homes in Farmington remained evacuated or cut off by flooded roads. Many residents still lacked power as officials assessed safety for return and utility restoration.

Lupita Villa returned to her rental home in Farmington on Saturday after evacuating on Thursday. She and her family found several inches of muddy water on warped laminate floors. Much of their furniture was destroyed. The family now stays with relatives on higher ground while they plan next steps. Villa said her children keep asking when they can go back to their home.

The Navajo Tribal Utility Authority reported that wastewater treatment lagoons in Montezuma Creek were completely breached. The location is 14 miles downstream from Bluff, Utah. Officials said the breach potentially contaminates the San Juan River with bacteria and pathogens. They advised residents to shower or bathe immediately after any exposure to floodwaters.

In Bluff, Mayor Josh Ewing reported that floodwaters hit seven more homes and four businesses overnight. The local toll since Friday now stands at 17 homes and five businesses. The river crested Monday lower than expected in the town. Ewing noted that the latest surge occurred after warnings, unlike the previous flood which followed a levee break.

The National Weather Service predicts heavy rain on Friday night and again on Sunday. Ewing said the town is trying to recover fast enough to be alert for new flooding. He noted that everything in the area is completely saturated. He described the scene in the red rock country as feeling like living by the sea.

Upstream in Colorado, the San Juan River in Pagosa Springs fell below flood stage on Monday. This is the first time in more than three days that the river has been below the threshold. No further rescues were reported after air operations earlier in the week. Those operations saved two people, three dogs, and two cats from a recreational vehicle washed downstream on Friday.

Archuleta County Sheriff Mike Le Roux said evacuated areas remain closed. Responders use helicopters to check on people who cannot leave their homes due to floodwaters and road damage. He stated that the National Guard and search and rescue crews are accessing those isolated residents.