Rescue crews in Socorro County faced severe floodwaters along the Rio Puerco as the New Mexico National Guard deployed personnel to evacuate stranded residents and rescue firefighters trapped by the rising currents, koat.com reported.
County Officials Request State Assistance
The emergency response unfolded after county officials requested state assistance on October 24 as floodwaters began threatening the communities of La Joya and San Francisco.
Three firefighters attempting to locate a missing woman near Ramon Lopez Road and U.S. Highway 60 found their vehicle entirely overtaken by the surge. Forced to climb onto the roof of their truck to await rescue, the crew was eventually reached by National Guard personnel operating a tactical vehicle.
Rafts Carried Across Hazardous Terrain
Operations continued into the night as guard members navigated washed-out roads and damaged railroads on foot.
Carrying inflatable rafts across four miles of terrain too hazardous for vehicles, rescue teams reached isolated residents during the overnight hours. Personnel located nine people and seven animals, establishing evacuation plans for the cut-off area.
National Guard Recovers Stuck Vehicle and Finds Missing Person
By October 26, secondary rescue operations faced mechanical hurdles when a National Guard vehicle became stuck in the floodwaters. A second response team successfully recovered the stuck vehicle and pushed forward with the mission.
During these operations, guard crews discovered the body of the person who had gone missing during the initial flooding.
Evacuation Orders Remain in Effect
New Mexico State Police directed guard members to continue transporting residents to safety while law enforcement initiated an investigation into the discovery. Swift water rescue teams worked alongside the second National Guard unit to recover the body.
The area surrounding San Francisco in Socorro County remains under evacuation orders. River levels along the Rio Puerco are expected to rise again in the coming days, keeping local and state emergency personnel on high alert.
