Impact on Local Communities

Villages including Hatch, Rincon, and Garfield have been significantly impacted as heavy rains caused water levels to dangerously overtop local dams, leading to widespread flooding.

Alessandra Analis, a farmer from Garfield, reported that her family’s crops were completely submerged on Wednesday. “We’ve been waiting for water, waiting for water all year, and I don’t think anyone expected it to come all at once, especially in one day,” she remarked.

Concerns Over Infrastructure

Among the critical concerns is the safety of McLeod Dam, which officials have indicated is at imminent risk of breaching. As flooding intensified, Analis captured videos of turbulent waters flowing nearby, moments before evacuation notices were issued.

“No one could have imagined what’s going on there or prepared for it, we weren’t prepared for it,” Analis expressed, highlighting the unexpected nature of the situation.

Evacuation Orders and Community Response

As conditions worsened, a full evacuation order was issued for the village of Hatch. Authorities took immediate action, with police officers conducting door-to-door checks to ensure residents left their homes safely.

The current flood is reminiscent of the tragic events of the Hatch flood in August 2006, marking 20 years since that devastating occurrence.

Residents, including Analis, expressed deep concern for the integrity of remaining dams and levees, particularly McLeod Dam. “I mean it was honestly a scary scene earlier when it was just overflowing. So I can’t imagine if the rain picks up and it rains all night and it truly does erode on one end and open up, it would be pretty scary,” she stated, reflecting on the harrowing circumstances.