All evacuation orders lifted for Doña Ana County after flooding, online donations set up

DOÑA ANA COUNTY, New Mexico (KVIA) -- As floodwaters recede for most of the region from Monday's rain, the evacuation orders in place for some communities have now been lifted.

Doña Ana County lifted the last evacuation order still in place Monday for Rincon this morning. County officials are still urging caution for anyone returning to areas that saw the worst of the flooding damage.

The evacuation orders for Salem, Hatch, Garfield and Placitas in the northwestern parts of the county were lifted Monday night. The decision to have residents return came after officials determined that the major flooding risk had subsided.

Emergency management officials for Doña Ana warn that localized flooding, debris, roadway damage and other hazards can still remain in the area. There was at least one water rescue in the area this morning.

According to the county, anyone going to the flooded areas should follow these warnings:

• Avoid driving through flooded roadways or around barricades.
  
• Stay away from damaged bridges, roads, drainage channels and other hazardous areas.
  
• Use caution around standing water, debris and areas that may have been damaged by flooding.
  
• Continue monitoring official Doña Ana County and local emergency management updates for changing conditions.

In addition, the county is encouraging anyone who wishes to offer donation to the flooding recovery efforts to do so through The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico's Greatest Need Impact Fund.

The fund offers support across southern New Mexico, including natural disasters and emergencies.

You can donate through the online donation portal or visit www.communityfoundationofsouthernnewmexico.org.