Santa Fe, New Mexico — The federal government has partly approved New Mexico's request for an emergency declaration after historic flooding in the northern part of the state, and the governor has released another 8.25 million dollars in state money for the flood response.

What is happening: The White House approved the emergency declaration on Monday, October 26. It covers San Juan, Rio Arriba, Cibola and Sandoval counties, along with Acoma Pueblo, the Jicarilla Apache Nation, San Ildefonso Pueblo, Zia Pueblo and Laguna Pueblo. The declaration opens the door to direct federal help, including debris removal and damage assessments from the Army Corps of Engineers, flood monitoring from the U.S. Geological Survey, drinking water testing from the Environmental Protection Agency, and shelter, mass care and drinking water distribution from FEMA. The governor also signed executive orders making 750,000 dollars in state emergency funds available for the National Guard's flood work in San Juan County and 7.5 million dollars for the state Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management's disaster response. State officials say more state money will follow as damage estimates come in, and the governor plans to ask the federal government for reimbursement again once the full damage picture is known.

Local impacts: Northern New Mexico is dealing with its second major flood in a month. County and Tribal governments have spent heavily keeping residents safe through back-to-back flood events, and the governor says they should not have to carry those costs on their own.

What to do:

- Stay out of floodwater and mud. It may carry raw sewage, chemicals and debris, and damaged power and gas lines can hide below the surface.

- If you see water rising around you, get to higher ground immediately.

- Do not return to an evacuated home until local officials say it is safe to do so.

- Follow instructions from San Juan County emergency officials and check on neighbors who may need help getting to shelter.

Source: Source New Mexico, October 26, 2026. Reported by TNW News.