Navajo Nation declares state of emergency after fatal flash floods

Flash flooding across the Navajo Nation has resulted in three deaths and caused widespread infrastructure damage following a surge of monsoon moisture in the Four Corners region. The fatalities occurred near Newcomb, New Mexico, when three women—Elsie Begay, her granddaughter Lucy Allison Mike, and Dora Franklin—were swept away by rising floodwaters while attempting to cross a wash.

Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren has declared a state of emergency as heavy rains continue to fall. The flooding has isolated several communities, damaged roads, and forced the evacuation of families in Shiprock due to rising water levels near the San Juan River. In Mexican Springs, many dirt and gravel roads have become impassable, leaving some residents stranded.