Three people died after being swept away by floodwaters in the Navajo Nation community of Newcomb, New Mexico, after heavy monsoon rains inundated parts of the reservation, authorities said Sept. 16.
The Navajo Police Department said officers from its Shiprock District responded to a possible drowning at around 12:30 a.m. local time Sept. 16 after receiving reports that people had been swept away in a flooded area near Newcomb, about 40 miles east of the Arizona state line. The incident occurred as widespread thunderstorms moved through the region, bringing a significant flood threat.
Emergency crews searched the area and found two adults and a child who had drowned. All three were pronounced dead at the scene, according to tribal police.
The incident
remains under investigation, tribal police said. Authorities have not identified the victims or confirmed whether they were from the Newcomb community.
"There are no words that can ease the pain of losing a loved one so suddenly, and our hearts are especially heavy knowing that three lives were lost," Navajo President Buu Nygren said in a statement. "To the family, relatives, and loved ones who are grieving today, we offer our deepest condolences. We pray that you are surrounded by strength, comfort, and the love of your family and community in the difficult days ahead."
On Sept. 16, Nygren advised communities across the Navajo Nation to stay alert as more rain, saturated ground, and ongoing runoff heightened flooding concerns in parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah.
Persistent showers and thunderstorms across the region are expected throughout Sept. 16 and into early Sept. 17. Earlier on Sept. 16, the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, New Mexico, said a flash flood watch was in effect for the "western third of New Mexico and the South Central Mountains."
"However, flash flooding could occur anywhere in central and northern New Mexico today," the weather service said in a social media post. "Rounds of showers and storms are likely this afternoon through the overnight hours into Thursday. Soils will continue to saturate, elevating the risk of flash flooding."
Flooding damages roads, prompts evacuations in Navajo Nation communities
Communities across the Navajo Nation have experienced significant rainfall this week, resulting in flash flooding that has damaged roads. In the community of Dennehotso, about 30 miles east of Kayenta, Arizona, the Navajo Department of Transportation reported severe damage to multiple areas along Dennehotso Loop Road.
Flooding in Chinle, Arizona, also has been extensive. Some residents along Highway 191 in Chinle, as well as those in other low-lying flood-prone areas, were encouraged to evacuate on the evening of Sept. 15, following recommendations from the Chinle Police Department. Schools were canceled for Sept. 16.
The Chinle Chapter House is being evaluated as a potential emergency shelter because the facility in nearby Many Farms is currently unavailable for sheltering. Water levels in the affected area have begun to subside as Chinle Chapter personnel work on the earthen dam, according to Nygren.
Nygren is asking residents to continue exercising caution, avoid flooded roads and washes, and give first responders and emergency personnel room to safely conduct operations.
Deadly Grand Canyon flooding
The deaths on the Navajo Nation occurred just weeks after flash flooding at the Grand Canyon's Bright Angel Canyon swept away three hikers and prompted the rescue of dozens of others.
Flash flooding tore through some of the park’s most popular areas after an afternoon thunderstorm on Aug. 29, according to the National Park Service. Emergency crews began evacuating visitors within an hour, and more than 80 people were rescued — many of them by helicopter.
Floodwaters destroyed nearly all footbridges in its path, cutting off hiker access and prompting evacuations from Phantom Ranch, Cottonwood Campground and other areas in the inner canyon, park officials said. The Colorado River was also closed to river traffic due to debris in the water.
Two people were killed in the flooding, and one person remains unaccounted for, according to park officials.
Human remains were discovered on Sept. 14 near Crystal Rapid on the Colorado River, an area in the inner gorge of the canyon about 10 miles downstream from Phantom Ranch, park officials said. The person's identity and cause and manner of death were not immediately known.
Contributing: Natalie Neysa Alund and Eve Chen, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 3 dead after flash floods on the Navajo Nation. What we know
