UPDATE: City of Socorro extends declaration of disaster

In a special meeting Tuesday, Socorro council members voted to extend a disaster declaration.

City officials originally declared the disaster at the beginning of August after heavy rains flooded Coker Road and residents had to be evacuated.

Residents say a nearby arroyo gave way to mud that covered homes up to 5 feet high in some areas.

“We’ll be ready at the drop of a dime,” said City Council member Alejandro Garcia.

Garcia says the vote to extend the disaster declaration doesn’t necessarily mean the city will receive state of federal funds.

“It’s mostly help. The Red Cross comes in right away. We have emergency personnel come in right away. It’s were we have a plan,” Garcia said.

City officials say the plans also allow multiple state and local agencies to respond.

“It lets us know the city is supporting us,” said Coker Road resident Rick Avalos.

Avalos is one of the residents that was displaced by the flooding. At one point Avalos said flooding issues in their neighborhood has fallen on deaf ears.

Now, Avalos feels a little more secure knowing the declaration of disaster has been extended.

“In terms for us it’s peace of mind that if we need to go somewhere at night we know the rec. center will be open, we know that there will be a large response from all the agencies in the lower valley and the county to help us,” Avalos said.

Avalos also urges county officials like Veronica Escobar to visit the neighborhoods and see first hand the damage.

The declaration of disaster will be extended through Oct. 1.