ZUNI, N.M. — Recovery efforts continue Friday across the Pueblo of Zuni following days of flooding, with tribal officials expanding assistance to residents while warning that additional showers and thunderstorms remain in the forecast.
The Pueblo of Zuni has begun distributing sandbags to homes facing an immediate flood risk. Residents in need may pick them up at Fire Station 82 or the Tribal Roads Department, with priority being given to homes experiencing immediate flooding.
The announcement comes as the Pueblo remains under a local emergency declaration issued Thursday. Tribal officials said heavy rainfall and flooding have exceeded available local response resources, allowing the Pueblo to mobilize additional tribal assets and coordinate with outside agencies.
Recovery operations also remain underway throughout the village. Cleanup crews, damage assessment teams and utility workers continue restoring services after flooding prompted evacuations in portions of the community earlier this week. Officials are still requesting volunteers, including farmers and others with water pumps, to assist with recovery efforts.
Residents are urged to continue avoiding floodwaters and the riverbed while emergency personnel remain on scene.
The National Weather Service is forecasting another chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms beginning Friday afternoon, with additional daily thunderstorm chances expected through at least the middle of next week.
While widespread heavy rainfall is not currently forecast, any additional storms could create problems in areas already saturated by recent flooding.
Although much of Cibola County remains classified in Extreme Drought under the U.S. Drought Monitor, recent monsoon storms have brought well-above-normal rainfall to parts of western Cibola County, illustrating how intense rainfall over a short period can still produce dangerous flash flooding despite long-term drought conditions.