In wake of Vado flooding, county, state declare emergency

Both Doña Ana County and the state of New Mexico responded to the flooding in Vado that left homes damaged and some required rescue on Tuesday, July 22.

After significant monsoon rain on Tuesday, July 22, at least 15 residents of Vado had to be rescued and a local community center opened to create a temporary shelter. The state announced on Friday, July 25, that Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has issued an emergency order to make $750,000 in state funding available to support state agencies responding to the flooding in Doña Ana County. 

“Vado is facing devastating flooding, and this crisis demands immediate action,” Lujan Grisham said. “New Mexico is mobilizing resources to support this resilient community through recovery.” 

Her executive order directs the New Mexico Department of Finance Administration to allocate $750,000 to the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management for emergency response efforts.  

In an emergency meeting Thursday, the Doña Ana Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to declare a state of emergency in Vado and surrounding communities after the severe storm left the area flooded.

The county’s resolution calls on the state of New Mexico to provide financial support as well as sets aside some money from the county to help in the immediate aftermath. This funding includes $9,000 for every household that completely lost a home to find temporary housing and for those who temporarily lost a home, $1,500 for each of those households to seek shelter. The resolution set aside $500,000 to create a Disaster Housing Fund.

According to Doña Ana Board of County Commissioner Chairman Christopher Schaljo-Hernandez , “No other county or municipality has ever done this.”

“This is the first time that anyone has offered emergency funding for homeowners to find emergency housing,” Schaljo-Hernandez said. “This is really unique.”

Lt. Governor Howie Morales attended the county meeting and during public comment, he spoke to show his support for the area and express his own experience with flooding.

“I can remember my first disaster that took place as Lieutenant Governor was right here in La Union.” Morales said. “We saw families that lost everything.”

Morales also spoke about how the state has been in contact with FEMA to provide more aid to the area.

When asked about concerns that county commissioners brought up during the meeting regarding the unpredictability at the federal level, Morales said in an interview with the Bulletin that the state administration has been working with FEMA and he “doesn’t feel too concerned at this point” regarding if FEMA will provide support.

The state of New Mexico has requested a team from FEMA to assist with preliminary damage assessments next week to determine whether the county meets the requirements for federal assistance.  

During the county meeting, Office of Emergency Management Manager Amanda Bowen said that the wastewater system took in 1.5 million gallons of water during the flood. Its capacity is 1.05 million gallons.

The wastewater system’s pumps are being used to lower levels and help drain areas that still have standing water. According to Bowen, the pumps have been working so hard that county workers have had to manually reset the pumps because they have been tripping due to being overworked.

Due to water still standing in many areas, estimates are still being made regarding the total amount of damage. Damage to the Vado Channel is estimated to be $3 million. Bowen said that all residents in the area have their power back.

The county also highlighted that Community Organizations Active in Disaster has been activated. This “group of groups” is made up of organizations like the Salvation Army, the Empowerment Congress and the American Red Cross who are helping out those affected by the floods.

The American Red Cross said it is conducting damage assessments, opening an evacuation shelter, and handing out cleanup supplies.

Doña Ana County is also conducting  a community cleanup event starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, in areas affected by the storm that impacted Vado.

Residents in Vado and other impacted communities are asked to place all trash and debris curbside before 8 a.m. so crews can easily access and remove items.

The county urges anyone who needs assistance to call the 211 call center for more information.

The State Disaster Helpline is available to residents looking for resources from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 1-833-663-4736. Information can also be found on the DHSEM’s website.