BERNARDO, N.M. — More than two weeks after severe flooding forced evacuations in northern Socorro County, residents are returning to their homes in the Bernardo area and beginning what officials say will be a lengthy recovery process.
The flooding began when the Rio Puerco overflowed on Oct. 25, forcing evacuations and damaging homes throughout the rural community. According to Socorro County Emergency Management, 11 homes were impacted, with many suffering extensive flood damage.
Emergency Manager Fred Berger said floodwaters along both the Rio Puerco and Rio Grande have finally begun to recede, allowing residents to safely return and assess the destruction.
As families sift through mud, debris and water-damaged belongings, officials say early damage assessments conducted by the American Red Cross found significant impacts to most of the affected homes.
For resident Stephanie Lopez, the damage represents generations of family history lost in a single night.
Cleanup efforts remain underway, with neighbors and volunteers helping remove standing water, mud and damaged furniture from homes.
In addition to property damage, concerns are growing about water quality. The New Mexico Environment Department has begun testing private wells in the area for contamination.
Berger said four of the nine wells in the affected area have been tested so far, though access issues have prevented crews from reaching several others.
Residents report being told that some preliminary well tests detected contamination, including bacteria and E. coli, raising concerns about drinking water safety until additional testing is completed.
Meanwhile, county officials say progress is being made toward securing federal disaster aid.
According to Berger, Socorro County has met the damage threshold required for FEMA assistance. However, the request must still receive approval from the governor before being forwarded to the White House for federal authorization.
Officials say recovery funding remains a priority as families begin rebuilding homes and replacing damaged property.
County leaders also announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is scheduled to visit the area Monday to evaluate flood conditions and identify potential infrastructure improvements aimed at preventing similar flooding in the future.
For many residents, the focus remains on rebuilding and preserving a community that has existed for generations despite the challenges ahead.
