Severe storms and floods provoke a state of emergency for the Hopi tribe

HOPI EMERGENCY DECLARATION

The Hopi tribe declared a state of emergency and natural disaster after torrential rains and widespread flooding. A cross-agency response was coordinated to mobilize and respond to weather-related situations. The Department of Public Safety and Emergency Services is the Incident Commander in terms of the Executive Order. Other agencies responding include the Hopi Department of Transportation, the Abandoned Mine Lands Program, the Hopi Law Enforcement Service, and Hopi Fire and Rescue. The Red Cross, Navajo County’s Emergency Management Team, and FEMA have all been contacted and are on standby to provide services and / or resources. Three families were evacuated because of heavy rainfall and subsequent flash floods. Polacca residents along the Polacca Wash will continue to be monitored and screened for safety. Rescue workers monitored the storm activities on Saturday night and will continue to do so in the following days. If there is an immediate emergency related to the severe weather, contact the incident commander, Mr. Paul Saufkie, through the Hopi Law Enforcement Dispatch at 928-401-0461. The National Weather Service has extended a Flash Flood Watch for much of northern Arizona through Sunday, July 25, with severe thunderstorms and flooding likely.

Comments are closed.