Rock Point Faces Severe Flooding: A Community’s Resilience and Challenges
The Navajo community of Rock Point, nestled near Chinle Wash and adjacent to the runoff from the Lukachukai Mountains and Black Mesa, is confronting an extraordinary flooding event. This recent deluge, described by locals as a once-in-a-generation occurrence, has tested the resilience and preparedness of its residents.
“This is the first time that my generation is having to go through it,” remarked Valinda Shirley, vice president of the local chapter house. She recalled the stories of past floods, which her parents’ generation endured back in 1980. Now, Shirley and her community face similar challenges.
Historically, Rock Point’s low-lying geography has been an asset for irrigating cornfields surrounding its peach-colored mesas. However, the recent thunderstorms have brought unprecedented levels of water, leaving residents feeling vulnerable. “It was the most helpless experience I’ve ever felt,” Shirley expressed, highlighting the emotional toll of receiving distress calls from relatives during the night.
In response to the crisis, officials utilized a SHERP all-terrain vehicle to evacuate affected families and elders. Describing the vehicle as a “crazy animal monster,” Shirley emphasized the community’s determination to protect its members.
Efforts are underway to fortify the village against further flooding, with ideas such as building levees, repairing irrigation systems, and stacking sandbags. Yet, Shirley questions the absence of federal assistance, expressing her desire for more engagement from federal agencies like FEMA.
Under the Stafford Act, state governors and tribal chief executives have the authority to request a presidential disaster declaration from FEMA. This process typically involves preliminary damage assessments. However, the office of Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren has not yet indicated if such a request will be made.
Liliana Soto, press secretary for Gov. Katie Hobbs, affirmed, “Tribal governments, as sovereign nations, are able to seek federal help directly.” The administration maintains a collaborative relationship with the Navajo Nation to address disaster response and recovery, including potential federal aid.
In the meantime, state resources have been mobilized to support tribal efforts, with the Department of Public Safety providing air rescues and the Department of Transportation conducting infrastructure assessments.
As Rock Point braces for another possible storm, Shirley is already looking ahead to rebuilding strategies. She envisions involving the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to study local watersheds, gaining insights to bolster the community’s defenses and preserve homes and corn plots for future generations.
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