HOPI DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY
The Hopi Tribe has declared a State of Emergency and Natural Disaster following torrential rain and widespread flooding. A multi-agency response has been coordinated to mobilize and respond to weather-related situations. The Department of Public Safety and Emergency Services is the Incident Commander under the Executive Order. Other agencies responding include the Hopi Department of Transportation, the Abandoned Mine Lands Program, Hopi Law Enforcement Service and Hopi Fire and Rescue. The Red Cross, Navajo County Emergency Management Team, and FEMA have all been contacted and are on standby to provide services and/or resources.
Three families have been evacuated due to heavy rain and subsequent flash flooding. Polacca residents along the Polacca Wash will continued to be monitored and assessed for safety. Emergency crews monitored storm activity Saturday night and will continue to do so in the following days.
If there is any immediate emergency related to the severe weather conditions, contact Incident Commander, Mr. Paul Saufkie, through 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 25th, with severe thunderstorms and flooding likely.