VADO, N.M. (KTSM) — Doña Ana County officials are ramping up relief efforts after flash flooding caused by heavy rain damaged more than 600 homes in Vado Tuesday night.
Officials say multiple agencies responded overnight to perform emergency rescues. Now, the County has shifted its focus to assessing damage, restoring road access, and getting aid to affected families.
“We’ve got teams that are going out and conducting damage assessments today, and those may continue tomorrow,” Amanda Bowen, Doña Ana County’s emergency manager, said. “We’re developing a full resource list and prioritizing road repairs so our teams can get in and help residents.”
Several neighborhoods in Vado remain waterlogged, with residents using pumps and buckets to clear standing water from their homes and yards.
“I live back there in the RV. It’s even worse. The water is up to my knees back there,” said Rodolfo, a Vado resident. “I’ve been living here in the area over 20 years, and I haven’t seen nothing like this ever before.”
Another resident, Rosa, said her family was caught off guard by the extent of the flooding.
“It came as a surprise to all of us,” she said. “We never imagined the water would come at this magnitude.”
County officials say a special emergency commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 24, where leaders are expected to discuss a possible disaster declaration and additional relief measures.
“One of the things we’ll be discussing tomorrow again, I don’t want to speak for the board, but I’ve discussed with at least three board members, is some sort of displacement fee,” said Doña Ana County Manager Scott Andrews. “Something for those that are spending money out of pocket and dealing with these horrible environments.”
Residents who need assistance or want to report flood-related damage can call 2-1-1. Damage reports can be submitted online via the Rapid Property Damage Assessment tool.
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