BACA, N.M. – Utility crews continued working Tuesday to restore service across Baca, Prewitt, Thoreau and surrounding communities after severe monsoon storms disrupted recovery efforts and caused additional power outages in the area.
Gloria, a representative with the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, said Monday afternoon that crews were responding to a large utility outage affecting the region.
“There is a large utility outage in the area,” she said. “There were severe monsoon rains last night that impacted recovery and created new power outage issues across the area. Everyone is working on repairs at the moment.”
The latest problems follow an extensive water outage that affected the same communities beginning July 14, when crews were called to replace a motor and pump at Thoreau Well No. 1.
Crews worked through the night but later discovered a fault in the well system. NTUA coordinated with Continental Divide Electric Cooperative and began hauling water to storage tanks while repairs continued.
By the evening of July 15, crews had installed a temporary control system and power source that allowed the well to return to operation. NTUA said the well was slowly refilling and that permanent repairs would still be needed after the original control system failed.
The latest round of storms has now complicated recovery and created additional power-related problems across the area.
Residents were encouraged to prepare for further monsoon activity by keeping extra drinking water and flashlights available.
Gloria also urged residents to avoid traveling during heavy rain because roads can quickly become dangerous or wash out.
“Prepare for the monsoons by having extra water and flashlights, and do not go out when it is raining, as some roads can get washed out,” she said.
Residents should continue conserving water where possible and watch for additional updates from NTUA and local emergency officials as repairs continue.