Community gathers in Shiprock to overcome flood damage

SHIPROCK, N.M. – Navajo Nation officials said recent flooding has damaged 500 homes, forced 200 evacuations and left more than 150 people in shelters.

As floodwater receded in Shiprock and nearby Navajo communities, families continue to deal with damage and missing basic needs. One family at a donation center had gone five days without running water.

Virginia Kirk opened her business, The Mod, to give people a place to donate and receive help in Shiprock. Donations have also gone to smaller nearby communities affected by the flooding.

“We have so many challenges here, and then when a disaster comes through, like the flooding, it kind of piles on,” said Virginia Kirk.

Families who need help can visit The Mod off Highway 64 in Shiprock, where donations are being accepted and distributed to people affected by the flooding.

Help from far away

Help also came from outside New Mexico. Arthur Gonzalez drove from Kerrville, Texas, with a trailer full of donations after flooding hit his hometown in July last year.

“I do this out of my own heart, or we do this out of our own hearts,” said Arthur Gonzalez.

Kirk said the support showed what can happen when people help across communities and state lines.

“It’s just community helping communities,” said Kirk.

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