Following devastating August floods, resilient La Union community determined to celebrate holiday

LA UNION, New Mexico - Months after catastrophic floodwaters destroyed homes and uprooted the lives of the residents of La Union, the small community is determined to find gratitude this holiday season.

“We have lost a lot," admitted Clarissa Soto. "After the flood, we lost my brother and his wife."

In the weeks following the devastating weather event, Soto lost her brother Adrian and his wife Isela to Covid-19. While they worked to rebuild their home, they worked to rebuild their family.

“We pray," said her sister, Monica West. "And we thank God for what we have.”

 "It was heartbreaking to us," Soto said. "It’s made us know that no matter what, we can overcome.”

Dozens of neighbors were forced to evacuate in August after a "100-year rain event" where 2 1/2 inches rain fell over the course of a couple hours, causing the dam to overflow. Soto and West had to live in a hotel for a month.

Months after the weather event changed their lives, Marycruz Anaya decided to organize a Christmas parade for this Sunday, December 19th at 2 p.m. on Mercantil.

“I was thinking about my community," Anaya said. "Because they deserve a little bit of happiness.”

“We can feel so empty, but we need to have that greater spirit," Soto said. "My community is coming together.”