Flooding prompts evacuations, search in Vado

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Rescue responded to significant flooding in the Vado area late Tuesday night, July 22, which prompted evacuations and search operations, the County said.

The County says the area experienced over two inches of rain in the region, and floodwaters have impacted over 600 homes that experienced a power outage, prompting emergency evacuations.

“Restoration of power has already started and will be ongoing as crews work in the area. Residents should report outages directly to their utility provider,” the County said.

Search operations began early Wednesday morning, July 23, and emergency crews transported at least 30 people to the Vado Community Center at 180 La Fe Avenue, which is serving as an emergency evacuation shelter.

All individuals have since left the shelter, and crews also transported two people to the hospital with minor injuries. No major injuries have been reported, the County said. Search operations were completed at around 3 a.m. Wednesday.

The County has also established a dedicated call center to answer questions and connect the public to available resources.

The call center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be reached by dialing 211.

Search teams actively searched affected neighborhoods and properties to ensure all residents were accounted for and assisted those who needed rescue or medical attention, the County said.

“This is a large-scale operation, and we’re working closely with our partners to make sure homes are checked and no one is left behind,” Doña Ana Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Cody Haver said. 

Officials deployed five emergency rescue units to the area to assist emergency crews and help with transportation to local hospitals as necessary.

Officials also assisted with traffic control in affected areas and crews are actively addressing priority roadway concerns, the County said.

The Doña Ana County Emergency Operations Center has transitioned to recovery coordination and is working with local partners, the County said.

Crews will begin initial damage assessments Wednesday.

Residents are asked to avoid flooded areas, including closed roads and irrigation canals.

Residents who are experiencing non-life-threatening flooding or utility issues are encouraged to call the non-emergency dispatch line at (575) 526-0795.

Damage reports can be submitted online via the Rapid Property Damage Assessment tool.

Multiple agencies assisted including Doña Ana Fire Rescue, the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office, the Las Cruces Fire Department’s Swift Water Rescue Team, the American Red Cross, Elephant Butte Irrigation District, the Doña Ana County Flood Commission, New Mexico National Guard, and the New Mexico Department of Transportation.

In addition, the Consulate General of Mexico in El Paso said via its Facebook page that it’s in constant communication with local officials to help the Mexican community in the region.

In case of an emergency, call (915) 549-0003.

To reach the consulate, call (915) 747-3234.

To reach the Center for Information and Assistance for Mexicans (CIAM), call (520) 623-7874.