Staff Reports
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Navajo Nation Commission on Emergency Management unanimously approved an amended Declaration of Emergency in response to severe monsoon storms, flash flooding, and road infrastructure damage across the Navajo Nation Sept. 17.
Pursuant to 2 N.N.C. § 884(B)(1), the Commission is authorized to assess, verify, recommend, and declare states of emergency with the concurrence of the Navajo Nation president.
“The Commission has remained proactive in addressing weather emergencies, including reaffirming CEM 26-004 earlier this week to address heavy rainfall and flooding,” CEM Chairman Marcarlo Roanhorse said. “This action further facilitates the ability of chapters, divisions ,and departments to access emergency federal funding and other governmental resources.”
Roanhorse said the Commission is responsible for coordinating and overseeing assistance, including goods, services, equipment, motor vehicles, and personnel from Navajo Nation divisions, departments, and enterprises during declared emergencies.
“While a wide range of resources are responding to flooding emergencies across the Navajo Nation, CEM recognizes the need for additional resources to respond to and recover from flooding and post-flooding risks and impacts, protect public health and safety, and minimize further damage,” he said.
CEM 26-004 was originally declared with the concurrence of President Buu Nygren on July 24. Recent flooding has caused critical emergency situations in Chinle, Ariz.; Dennehotso, Ariz.; Newcomb, N.M.; Sheep Springs, N.M.; White Rock, N.M.; Sanostee, N.M.; Birdsprings, Ariz.; Navajo Mountain, Ariz.; and Tohatchi, N.M.
The amended declaration provides for affected chapters to access emergency funds; directs the Navajo Department of Transportation to coordinate with the Federal Highway Administration to seek assistance through applicable emergency relief programs; authorizes coordination with appropriate organizations to conduct damage assessments and seek federal assistance; and allows available resources to be used to mitigate risks to public health, safety, and community infrastructure, including emergency procurement.
CEM 26-004, Declaration of Emergency due to severe monsoon storms, will remain in effect until the monsoon season has ended or the declaration is terminated.
The Commission approved the amended declaration by a vote of six in favor and none opposed. Nygren has signed and concurred with the Declaration of Emergency.
