By The Epoch Times | Created at 2026-09-30 05:27:05 | Updated at 2026-09-30 06:47:02
2 hours ago
The aftermath of flash flooding in Mexican Springs, N.M., on the eastern part of the Navajo Nation is shown on Sept. 17, 2026. Darnell Etsitty via AP
Evacuation orders were issued on Sept. 29 for five areas in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, amid worsening flooding and warnings about a potential dam failure.
Residents and visitors in Placitas, Hatch, Rincon, Salem, and Garfield were urged to evacuate before weather conditions deteriorate, according to Doña Ana County’s alert.
“Residents who are evacuating should take essential medications, identification, important documents, necessary supplies and items for children and pets,” the alert stated. “Residents should not wait until conditions worsen to evacuate.”
The alert advised residents to use Interstate-25 as an evacuation route and to seek shelter at the Radium Springs Community Resource Center and Doña Ana Community Resource Center.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a flash flood warning for northwestern Doña Ana County on Sept. 29 after dam operators warned that McLeod Dam was at risk of imminent failure.
Hurricane Polo struck the Mexican state of Baja California Sur on Sept. 29 morning with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph and crossed the Gulf of California. The New Mexico Department of Transportation later reported flooded roads and debris on highways across the state, while parts of Arizona were becoming especially drenched, leading to several water rescues.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
