New Mexico National Guard Deploys to Support Flood Response Efforts in Zuni Pueblo

ZUNI PUEBLO, N.M. — The New Mexico National Guard has deployed 14 service members to support emergency response operations in Zuni Pueblo following severe flooding that impacted the community.

The mission began July 24th after New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an emergency order authorizing the Guard’s response.

The team consists of 13 Army National Guard Soldiers and one Air National Guard Airman.

Six of the 14 Guardsmen are specially trained members of the New Mexico National Guard’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

Guard members are assisting local and state officials with engineering support, including berm reinforcement and road clearing to help restore access and protect critical infrastructure.

The team also stands ready to conduct swift water rescue operations should conditions require.

Maj. Gen. Miguel Aguilar, the Adjutant General of New Mexico, said the Guard’s rapid response reflects the state’s continued investment in preparedness and the specialized capabilities of its service members.

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“When disaster strikes, readiness matters. New Mexico funds a small, dedicated standing team of National Guard personnel who train year-round for precisely these moments,” said Aguilar. “Their ready expertise in heavy equipment operations, swift water rescue, and emergency management support is increasingly critical to the safety of our state. Today, that highly capable force is on the ground, bringing essential support to the people of Zuni Pueblo during their time of need.”

The New Mexico National Guard has responded to multiple flooding emergencies across the state over the past three consecutive monsoon seasons, providing engineering support, search and rescue capabilities, emergency management assistance, and humanitarian aid.

Following the flooding in Gallup and Zuni Pueblo, the N.M. Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management team went out to help with damage assessments of homes and public infrastructure. These assessments give us the information we need to best support communities after disasters and understand what types of assistance they are eligible for. (Photos Courtesy DHSEM via Facebook)

Those recurring missions have strengthened the Guard’s ability to rapidly integrate with tribal, local, state, and federal partners while responding to natural disasters.

The floods two summers ago in Ruidoso prompted the Guard to ensure CERT members are swift water rescue certified, expanding the Guard’s response capabilities.

The New Mexico National Guard remains committed to supporting civil authorities and protecting the lives and property of New Mexicans whenever called upon.

New Mexicans helping New Mexicans.