Flooding in New Mexico Navajo Nation area leaves three dead

Three people died early Wednesday morning after being swept away by floodwaters in a Navajo Nation community in northwestern New Mexico. Two adults and a child drowned in the small village of Newcomb, Navajo police said. While police did not release any other information about the deceased individuals, they said the incident was being investigated.

What caused the floods? Parts of the reservation have experienced monsoon rains leading to flash floods, according to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque. Authorities declared a Navajo Nation-wide state of emergency on Wednesday in response to severe storms. Heavy rain left many roadways impassable and damaged, according to the Navajo transportation department.

An active monsoon pattern was forecast to continue across New Mexico through Saturday, KRQE News 13 reported.

How has the community responded to the deaths? Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren gave his condolences, saying hearts were heavy with the weight of the losses. He urged residents to remain cautious around flooded roadways, washes, and other areas affected by heavy rainfall. Moving water can be dangerous, Nygren said.