WINDOW ROCK, Navajo Nation — Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren declared a Navajo Nation state of emergency for heavy snow and the resulting muddy conditions on Thursday. The Nygren Administration designated Incident Commander Harland Cleveland and volunteer staff from each division to mobilize response and recovery.
On Friday, the emergency operation center (EOC) was fully activated and coordination of Navajo Nation resources began.
Snow accumulation of more than 18 inches in some parts of the Chuska Mountain Range and Defiance Plateau were recorded. Black Mesa snowdrifts measured 3 feet deep in places.
More snow fell through the night in Eastern Agency.
The command team is gathering information on residents who are at a high-risk of negative impacts due to impassable road conditions. These include patients in need of critical care or medication. Welfare checks are ongoing with chapter, community health representative and volunteer staff to address additional needs for supplies and firewood.
Major paved roads have been cleared with nation, county, chapter and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) resources. Additional coordination of state and tribal enterprise resources is ongoing. Appropriate resources will be assessed for earth routes to address reports of soggy conditions and runoff.
The following chapters are included in the EOC’s current report: Fort Defiance Agency chapters, Chinle Agency chapters, Sawmill, Tachee/Blue Gap-Burnt Corn, Hard Rock, Big Mountain, Red Lake, Black Mesa, Forest Lake, St. Michaels Chapter, Tsaile/Wheatfields, and more Eastern Agency chapters after last night’s storm.
Anyone experiencing impacts from the recent weather should contact the EOC for information.
Emergency Operation Center Contact Information:
- Email: EOC@navajodot.org
- Phone: (505) 371-8393
The EOC team will meet nightly to assess the next day’s response objectives until the state of emergency is lifted.
###