Three dead including a child after being swept away in floodwaters on Navajo land in New Mexico
Por Graig Graziosi — – World RSS Feed
Three dead including a child after being swept away in floodwaters on Navajo land in New Mexico
Flash flood warnings in effect for parts of northwestern New Mexico
Graig Graziosi in Washington, D.C. Thursday 17 September 2026 21:19 BST
- Bookmark
- Comments Go to comments
Bookmark popover
Removed from bookmarks
Close popover
Your support helps us to tell the story
Read more Support Now
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference. Read more
Three people have died after they were swept away in floodwaters on the Navajo Nation early Wednesday morning.
Navajo Tribal Police received a report around 12:30 a.m. that people near the Newcomb community in northwestern New Mexico had been carried away by the flood. The call came after a day of heavy rain that left standing water on roads and in other areas. The rains continued into the overnight hours, according to ABC15.
Search crews responded to the call and found the bodies of two adults and a child. Police did not provide further information, and the drownings remain under investigation.
Buu Nygren, the president of the Navajo Nation, issued a statement thanking first responders and offering his condolences to the affected family.
“To the family, relatives, and loved ones who are grieving today, we offer our deepest condolences,” Nygren said in a statement. “We pray that you are surrounded by strength, comfort, and the love of your family and community in the difficult days ahead.”
open image in galleryOn Tuesday, the National Weather Service issued a special briefing warning that numerous thunderstorms were expected to hit the region. Another warning was issued Wednesday that noted moisture levels would be near-record levels for mid-September.
Forecasters predicted heavy rainfall for the Four Corners region of New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado. Flash flood warnings were issued for parts of northwestern New Mexico Wednesday and Thursday.
Chinle Council Delegate Shawna Ann Claw, of Chinle, Arizona, issued a public notice Tuesday encouraging residents living along sections of U.S. Highway 191 and in other low-lying flood zones to evacuate ahead of the storms, according to the Navajo Times.
In New Mexico, the flooding was so severe that some roads were nearly entirely washed away. The Navajo Division of Transportation closed Navajo Route 30 in Mexican Springs, New Mexico, after floods washed out the area. When the water receded, only a narrow strip of the road’s bed was left, according to the paper.
open image in galleryNygren advised residents to be cautious and pay attention to weather alerts.
“Conditions can change quickly, and moving water can be dangerous—even in places we know well,” he said in a statement. “No destination is worth risking your life or the lives of those traveling with you.”
The deaths on the Navajo Nation come just weeks after three hikers were killed in the Grand Canyon after heavy rains caused fast-moving water to flow through Bright Angel Creek.
The remains of Timothy Allen Smith, 53, of Wyoming, were discovered earlier this week in the Grand Canyon. The bodies of his hiking companions, Brent Rosenkranz, 42, and John Giusti, 46, both of Granbury, Texas, were discovered on August 30 and 31.
More about
Navajo NationNew MexicoNational Weather ServiceFour Corners
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Most popular
Popular videos
Bulletin
Read next
Fonte: – World RSS Feed
