Flood recovery in Socorro County stalls as federal aid request waits

Flood recovery in Socorro County is moving slower than residents can endure.

High water in the San Francisco area forced boat rescues for people stranded in their homes on Monday. Two rescue teams conducted the operations, but one woman died in the floodwaters. Residents upstream from the city of Socorro are still outside their houses because water levels have not receded enough to allow safe return. The flooding has also killed livestock and destroyed crops in the region.

State lawmakers held a community meeting on Thursday to address the damage from the recent event and earlier flooding that began more than a month ago. Rep. Rebecca Dow, R-N.M., stated that residents lost homes, livestock, pets, and entire crops. Sen. Joshua Sanchez told the group that the state is as frustrated as its constituents. He said the meeting aims to coordinate with federal and state agencies to determine when funding will reach these communities. Sanchez noted that residents cannot return to their houses or access their possessions.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham submitted a disaster declaration request to President Trump last week regarding the southern New Mexico flooding. The governor’s office reported that it has not yet received a response from the White House. This pending decision affects the timing of federal resources for local repair efforts.

Highway 380 has reopened to traffic. However, KOB 4 reported substantial damage to the road the day before its reopening. The state continues to monitor conditions as it works to clear the path for aid delivery.