Santa Fe, New Mexico — New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has asked President Donald Trump to declare a major disaster for the flooding that struck northern New Mexico from October 22 through October 30, a move that would open the door to federal help for families and local governments still cleaning up.

What is happening: The governor's request, announced November 2, follows an earlier emergency request from October 24. Federal officials granted that earlier request only in part, offering direct help from federal agencies but not the reimbursement money the state sought for rescues, emergency response, and debris removal. The new request asks Washington to cover those costs and to approve individual assistance for residents.

Local impacts: State assessments count 604 homes damaged or destroyed in the flooding, including 353 destroyed or hit with major damage, and officials say that number could still climb. Swift-water teams rescued at least 36 people after the floods began October 22, and as of November 2, about 190 people were staying at the American Red Cross shelter at McGee Park in Farmington. The governor has signed 73 emergency executive orders making more than $54 million in state money available for response and recovery.

What the declaration would unlock: If approved, residents of San Juan, Cibola, Socorro, and Santa Fe counties, along with the pueblos of Acoma and Laguna, could apply for federal financial assistance for home repairs, rent, temporary housing, and other disaster-related needs. The state is also seeking reimbursement for San Juan, Cibola, Rio Arriba, Socorro, and Valencia counties and the pueblos of Acoma and Laguna for debris removal, emergency response costs, and repairs to roads, bridges, water-control facilities, and other public infrastructure. The declaration would also fund projects across the state to reduce damage from future disasters.

What to do: Residents affected by the flooding can find preparedness and recovery resources through the governor's office flooding-resources page. Anyone near rivers in the Farmington area should keep watching local forecasts and never drive through flooded roads.

Source: KRQE, November 2, 2026. Reported by TNW News.