Flood WatchWednesday, November 4
Floodwaters force hundreds of Chama residents to evacuate after Sunday night's storm
The Daily Farmington team
If you have family or friends in Chama, here's the latest. Sunday night's storm closed roads and forced hundreds to evacuate in a village of 1,000 people, mostly on the west and south sides along the Rio Chama and the Rio Chamita. Village officials ordered a mandatory evacuation Sunday from the Elkhorn Restaurant south to Unser's at Highway 64/84 milepost 164.
Chama's flood, by the numbers
- 1,000
- people live in the village of Chama
- 2 feet
- of water over the village's railroad
- 3
- places named for evacuees to go
Sources: KRQE NEWS 13, KOB 4
Mayor Ernest Vigil said the railroad, "our icon," is under two feet of water. Sewage entered the river, so officials say don't swim, wade or fish in it. They also asked anyone affected to photograph or film damage before repairs, and said FEMA will come to assess affected areas.
- Highway 17 North: closed at 1st Street after a washout
- Highway 64: closed between Dulce and 511
- Chamita and Sandoval bridge: closed
- Need help? Call 575-756-2184; call 911 in immediate danger
- Free food: available at Chama City Hall
Chama's evacuation unfolded over two days
- Nov. 1Village sends messages urging people to leave their homes.
- Nov. 1Village officials order a mandatory evacuation.
- Nov. 2Village tells residents sewage entered the river.
- Nov. 2State Police escort people heading south out of Chama.
Sources: KRQE NEWS 13, KOB 4
Sources: KRQE NEWS 13, KOB 4