WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Help is on the way to Navajo families and communities impacted by flooding, with a coordinated response already underway across multiple levels of the Navajo Nation.
Since flooding began, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren has remained directly engaged with agencies on the ground, receiving updates, coordinating resources and working to ensure assistance reaches impacted communities as quickly and safely as possible.
President Nygren has signed an emergency declaration addressing the continued impacts of severe monsoon storms, flash flooding and infrastructure damage. The declaration specifically identifies the Navajo Department of Transportation and helps expedite the deployment of transportation resources as conditions allow. It also directs Navajo DOT to coordinate with the Federal Highway Administration to seek assistance through appropriate emergency relief programs.
During a briefing in Chinle, Navajo Police Lt. Emmett Yazzie and Department of Emergency Management Liaison Tyrone Towne both emphasized that while road access and the deployment of heavy equipment remain priorities, crews cannot safely operate on roadways that remain muddy, saturated and unstable. Resources are being mobilized, but the safety of NDOT crews, first responders and others working on the ground must remain a priority as conditions improve.
Meanwhile, Community Health Representatives are delivering food boxes and other assistance to identified elders and families. The American Red Cross is assessing damages and providing immediate assistance to impacted households. NDEM continues receiving requests from the public and directing those needs to the appropriate resources.
Chapters also have resources available for emergency preparedness, response and mitigation. The Executive and Legislative Branches allocated $6 million among all 110 Chapters, and Chapters may access emergency funding and resources under the emergency declaration.
“This response is moving, and our people need to know that help is coming,” President Nygren said. “We are working directly with our teams on the ground to move resources where they are needed, while making sure our responders and road crews can do their jobs safely.”
From Chapters and CHRs to NDEM, NDOT, Navajo Police, the American Red Cross and other partners, response and recovery efforts remain active across the Navajo Nation.
