Federal disaster declaration extends to Doña Ana, Otero counties after monsoon floods

Federal officials extend disaster aid to Doña Ana and Otero after monsoon floods — residents can apply for FEMA help.
Danielle Prokop, Source New Mexico
This article was originally published by Source New Mexico.
In the wake of further monsoon flooding in July, federal officials over the weekend extended federal disaster aid to include more residents in Southern New Mexico impacted by storms and landslides.
This summer’s deadly and devastating floods have impacted hundreds of homes across the state in separate instances. On July 9, runoff from rains over the 2024 Salt and South Fork burn scar flooded Ruidoso’s rivers and killed three people, including two children; required the rescues of dozens of people; and swept away homes and cars. On July 22, monsoon rains in the deserts of Doña Ana flooded the colonias of Vado around the Rio Grande, flooding at least 110 homes and wrecking infrastructure.
The National Weather Service office in Albuquerque issued a notice that flash flooding risk is high in Ruidoso on Monday through 9 p.m.
With the lack of vegetation and non-absorbant soils in the burn scars, flooding is occurring with very little rain in the Sacramento Mountains around the town, said Todd Shoemake, a lead forecaster at the National Weather Service.
“Our forecast models are indicating pretty heavy rainfall rates, probably raining as much as one to two inches per hour,” he said.

So far, the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency has allocated $2.7 million for damages related to the floods, including $1.6 million for housing assistance. FEMA has approved 235 requests for individual assistance.
According to the federal disaster declaration updated on Saturday, people affected by floods in Doña Ana and Otero counties, along with the Mescalero Apache Nation, will be able to apply for funds for individual housing needs.
The Aug. 16 amendment will also allow governments to apply for reimbursement for permanent repairs in Lincoln, Doña Ana county and Otero counties, including for the Mescalero Apache Tribe.
Local officials in Lincoln and Doña Ana counties have said they’ll need federal funds to rebuild infrastructure such as bridges or sewer and water services, with initial damage estimates in the tens of millions.
FAQ
Who qualifies? Residents and businesses in Doña Ana and Otero counties with disaster-related damage.
How do I apply? Start at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362.
What happens next? FEMA may schedule an inspection to verify damage.
Residents can apply for assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling 1-800-621-3362. After applying, FEMA may require an inspection to verify disaster-related damages.
Danielle Prokop covers the environment and local government in Southern New Mexico for Source NM.
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