Story perspectives

Navajo Floods Kill Three as Weather Service Warns

By Drooid · Sep 17, 2026, 11:46 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren reported three deaths after floodwaters swept two adults and a child in Newcomb, NM.
Navajo police found the bodies after a 12:30 a.m. report of people washed away near Newcomb.
The Albuquerque National Weather Service issued flash-flood watches for northwestern New Mexico, warning of record moisture.
President Nygren urged residents to avoid flooded roads and washes, saying moving water is dangerous even locally.

History

Historical Context

In August 2015 a flash-flood along the San Juan River caused severe damage and forced the Navajo Nation Council and Farmington to evacuate many residents; the Gold King Mine spill halted irrigation for roughly 2,000 Navajo farmers. Today, President Buu Nygren and the Albuquerque National Weather Service confront a repeat flood in Newcomb, highlighting persistent Southwest flash-flood risk and the need for upgraded infrastructure.

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Story summary

Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren reported three deaths after floodwaters swept two adults and a child in Newcomb, NM.
Navajo police found the bodies after a 12:30 a.m. report of people washed away near Newcomb.
The Albuquerque National Weather Service issued flash-flood watches for northwestern New Mexico, warning of record moisture.
President Nygren urged residents to avoid flooded roads and washes, saying moving water is dangerous even locally.

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