Four Corners flooding has forced hundreds of evacuations and rescues across northwest New Mexico, southwest Colorado, and the Navajo Nation, with officials warning that the crisis isn’t over. The San Juan and Animas rivers reached historic levels on Wednesday, Oct. 21, after days of heavy rain that surpassed 5 inches in some areas. The situation has prompted rescue operations, including helicopter hoist rescues by the New Mexico National Guard, with at least a couple hundred people being rescued from rooftops and other high points.

Farmington, a city of about 46,000 residents, has been significantly affected, with 2,000 people impacted by the flooding, 600 homes under evacuation orders, and about 1,500 people without power. Upstream in Colorado, the San Juan River overflowed in Pagosa Springs at a level unseen in over a century, surpassing even a flood that officials had previously termed a "100-year event." In response, Colorado Governor Jared Polis has added Conejos County to the list of areas eligible for disaster aid.

Downstream, the Navajo Nation bore the brunt of the flooding. The San Juan River rose to around 23 feet in Shiprock, prompting the closure of the Shiprock Bridge and a stretch of U.S. 64. The Navajo Nation Commission on Emergency Management declared a state of emergency, allowing chapters to use emergency funds for shelter, food, water, debris removal, and repairs. The Hopi Tribe also declared an emergency after flooding displaced families in Moenkopi.

These communities have a history of grappling with environmental hazards. In 2015, an EPA crew released contaminated wastewater from an abandoned mine in Colorado, affecting the Navajo Nation and forcing some drinking water systems to shut off their river intakes. This week’s floodwaters breached a water reclamation plant in Bloomfield, upstream of Navajo communities. While officials have not reported any contamination this time, the concern remains palpable for families downstream.

The flooding underscores broader systemic issues. The rain that fell in the Colorado mountains carried pollutants and debris directly into Native American communities along the river, highlighting the disproportionate impact of environmental disasters. This crisis necessitates not only immediate relief but also long-term solutions to protect these communities from future risks. Local and federal support is essential for recovery and resilience-building efforts.

Shelters are available in McGee Park, Power House Church, and First Baptist Church in Shiprock, which have been accepting evacuees, including pets and RVs. With many evacuees staying with family and friends, the shelters have not reached capacity, indicating community support. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is preparing a request for a federal emergency disaster declaration to address the ongoing damage and costs.

As the rivers begin to recede, the focus shifts to rebuilding and resilience. Communities must come together to address the challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation. The response to this crisis must emphasize not just recovery but also prevention and sustainable practices to ensure that these communities can thrive in the face of future threats.

Originally reported by Rolling Out