Three people reportedly killed in flooding on Navajo Nation
Two adults and a child were swept away near Newcomb as heavy rain blocked roads and triggered flash-flood warnings across the region.
Three people, including two adults and a child, were reportedly killed after being swept away by floodwaters near Newcomb on the Navajo Nation in north-western New Mexico.
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren said police responded to reports of people being swept away at about 12.30am local time on Wednesday. He offered condolences to the affected community and urged residents to exercise caution in areas affected by rainfall.
The National Weather Service in Albuquerque warned of widespread thunderstorms and unusually high moisture levels for mid-September. It said flash flooding could occur anywhere in central and northern New Mexico.
A flash-flood watch was issued for the western third of New Mexico and the South Central Mountains, while warnings were issued for parts of north-western New Mexico. Heavy rainfall was forecast across parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah through Thursday.
The reported deaths came weeks after three hikers were swept away and dozens of others rescued during flooding at Arizona’s Grand Canyon. Navajo Nation authorities did not provide further details about the identities of those killed or the precise location of the incident.
