NM Crews Assess Flood Damage In Dona Ana County

N.M. STATE REPORTS — Doa Ana County officials began the process of assessingthe damage caused by Tuesday’s severe flooding in several communities.

Crews have been making aerial surveys of the county via helicopter. Other inspectionswere conductedon the ground, state officials said.

Authoritiessaid crews were also in the process of deciding how to deploy heavy equipment and emergency personnel.

Roadcrews worked through the night in many areas, and fresh shifts took over early Wednesday to clear county roads in the New Mexico communities of Chaparral, La Union, Anthony and Santa Teresa.

The Doa Ana County Emergency Operations Center continues to work with personnel conducting the damage assessments.

Gov. Bill Richardsonwas expected to make an announcement this afternoon in Las Cruces regarding the flooding in Dona Ana County. New Mexico environmental officials tell ABC 7 that Richardson may declare a state of disaster.