Shiprock flood response: 500 homes damaged, 150 residents sheltering

Navajo Nation officials reported severe flooding across the Shiprock area. The water damaged 500 homes and forced 200 people to evacuate. More than 150 residents are currently staying in shelters.

Families in Shiprock and nearby communities are managing the aftermath as floodwaters recede. Many households lack basic necessities. One family at a local donation center reported going five days without running water.

Virginia Kirk, owner of The Mod, converted her business into a hub for aid. The shop is located off Highway 64 in Shiprock. Kirk accepts donations there and distributes them to affected residents. Supplies have also been sent to smaller nearby towns hit by the flooding.

Kirk noted that the disaster adds to existing local difficulties. “We have so many challenges here, and then when a disaster comes through, like the flooding, it kind of piles on,” she said.

Arthur Gonzalez traveled from Kerrville, Texas, to deliver a trailer full of supplies. He previously experienced flooding in his hometown in July of last year. Gonzalez described the effort as a personal choice. “I do this out of my own heart, or we do this out of our own hearts,” he said.

Kirk observed that the influx of outside help demonstrates cross-community support. “It’s just community helping communities,” she said.