Three killed in severe flooding in New Mexico
Collected Photo
Three people have died in severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall in the southwestern US state of New Mexico. Several roads have been submerged by floodwaters.
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren said on Wednesday that police responded to reports of people being swept away by floodwaters near the Newcomb area in northwestern New Mexico at around 12:30 am local time.
Two adults and one child were later found dead. Their deaths are under investigation.
Nygren expressed condolences to the families of the victims. He also urged residents in areas affected by heavy rainfall to remain alert.
“There are no words that can ease the pain of suddenly losing a loved one. Our hearts are also heavy over the loss of three lives,” Nygren said.
The Albuquerque office of the US National Weather Service warned on Tuesday of the possibility of widespread thunderstorms over several days. On Wednesday, it reiterated the warning and said moisture levels in the atmosphere could reach record levels compared with mid-September.
In a social media post on Wednesday, the National Weather Service said a flash flood warning was in effect for one third of western New Mexico and the south-central mountainous areas. It also warned that flash flooding could occur anywhere in central and northern New Mexico.
Heavy rainfall is forecast through Thursday in parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah. Flash flood warnings have been issued for several areas in northwestern New Mexico. Flood warnings are also in effect across large parts of central and northern Arizona.
Several weeks earlier, heavy rainfall also caused flooding at the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Three hikers were swept away by floodwaters and several dozen others were rescued.
Source: Al Jazeera (Adapted)
