Flash flood watches and warnings in place across northern Arizona, the Navajo and Hopi reservations

Flooding on the Navajo Nation. (Photo/OPVP)

Flooding on the Navajo Nation. (Photo/OPVP)

INDIAN WELLS, Ariz. – The Navajo Nation Department of Emergency Management issued a severe weather warning for more expected rainfall throughout the week on the Navajo Nation.

The administration supported several communities experiencing heavy downpours during the monsoon season. The Navajo Division of Transportation’s work crews also continued to work on repairing roads that were washed out. Monsoonal moisture is forecasted to bring more showers and thunderstorms to the Nation throughout the week into the weekend.

"Please be prepared and alert, and make sure your family and elders have essential items such as food, water and firewood," Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said. "Flash flooding can displace people and vehicles if individuals enter flooded areas, so please be very cautious and do not enter flooded areas on foot or by vehicle. It’s important to plan ahead in the event that flooding occurs within your homestead."

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Officials strategize on how to deal with flooding on the Navajo Nation. (Photo/OPVP)

On July 28, Nez joined Indian Wells Chapter officials, Navajo Nation Department of Emergency Management Director Harlan Cleveland, Navajo Division of Transportation Executive Director Garrett Silversmith, Navajo County, Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, and Navajo Engineering and Construction Authority officials to respond to flood damages, such as road and waterline damages, in Indian Wells, Arizona and surrounding communities.

Collaborative mitigation efforts included water delivery, road clearing, and wellness checks on high-risk individuals. NTUA continues to repair water line breaks and advise community members to conserve water until repairs are completed or to contact Indian Wells Chapter for water resources.

A flood watch will remain in effect for the entire Navajo Nation throughout the week due to periods of intense rainfall. If chapters need assistance with response efforts, please email the Navajo Nation Division of Community Development at MonsoonRelief@NavajoChapters.org.

Community Health Representatives and Public Health Nurses, under the Navajo Department of Health, are also providing support and assistance for elderly residents and those with health conditions. The Navajo Division of Transportation will work as quickly as possible to clear roadways and repair roads in the event of more road washouts this week.

“Monsoon season has brought an abundance of moisture to the Navajo Nation this month. However, many communities received heavy rainfall, which caused flooding," said Vice President Myron Lizer. "We urge our Navajo citizens to stay safe and alert to heavy rainfall, power outages and flooding.

Lizer said every household should have an emergency preparedness kit that includes water, food, medication, radio, flashlight, batteries, first aid kit, whistle, pet supplies and important documents.

"By taking the time to prepare an emergency kit, you will be better prepared in an emergency. Also, keep materials like sandbags, plywood, and lumber for emergency proofing. We must stay prepared together,” he said.

The Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President, Navajo Division of Transportation, and Navajo Nation Department of Emergency Management will continue coordinating with county officials, chapter officials, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and state emergency officials to provide additional resources and updates.

Weather-related information is available through the National Weather Service website at: https://www.weather.gov/.

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