A large tribal reservation covering parts of northeastern Arizona has had flood monitoring in place throughout the week.
Navajo County, Arizona — Navajo officials declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to increased flooding from recent monsoon rains.
A proclamation by the Tribal Emergency Management Committee will allow local chapters to access additional resources to help mitigate the effects of heavy rains.
Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said tribal emergency responders are out in the community daily to help people recover from the recent floods.
“Yes, we have a lot of challenges and we don’t have enough people to arrive at all sites immediately, but we are making progress,” said Nez. “The Navajo Department of Transportation is also working to repair damaged roads.
“With sporadic thunderstorms across the Navajo this week, we encourage all Navajo households, communities and organizations to be prepared,” Nez added. “As we move forward into the fall and winter seasons, everyone should be proactively planning for more severe weather.”
Nez said tribal health workers have been going to different communities to provide help and assistance to the elderly and those with health conditions.
The tribe’s vast reservation, which covers parts of northeastern Arizona, northwestern New Mexico, and southeastern Utah, has been under flood watch throughout the week.
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