Three Dead After Floodwaters Strike Navajo Nation

Three people have died after floodwaters tore through the Navajo Nation in New Mexico. Native authorities are offering their condolences following this tragedy that claimed two adults and one child. Heavy rains left roadways blocked by rushing water across the southwestern state.

Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren spoke on Wednesday regarding the incident. Police responded to reports of people being swept away at 12:30am, or 06:30 GMT, near Newcomb in northwestern New Mexico. He confirmed the loss of life and urged residents to stay cautious in areas hit by rain.

"There are no words that can ease the pain of losing a loved one so suddenly, and our hearts are especially heavy knowing that three lives were lost," Nygren said. "To the family, relatives, and loved ones who are grieving today, we offer our deepest condolences. We pray that you are surrounded by strength, comfort, and the love of your family and community in the difficult days ahead."

The National Weather Service in Albuquerque issued a special briefing on Tuesday warning about widespread thunderstorms possible in the coming days. They repeated those warnings on Wednesday, noting moisture levels could hit record highs for mid-September. A Flash Flood Watch is currently active for the western third of New Mexico and the South Central Mountains today. However, flash flooding could strike anywhere in central and northern New Mexico right now.

Heavy rain is predicted across parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah through Thursday. Flash flood warnings were issued for sections of northwestern New Mexico, along with watches for large areas of central and northern Arizona.

These deaths on Wednesday happen only weeks after three hikers were swept away near the Grand Canyon. Dozens of people were rescued then too after heavy rainfall caused flooding at that popular tourist destination in Arizona. The danger remains very real as storms continue to brew across the region.