Tina Honyumptewa said floodwaters surged rapidly into the village of Lower Moencopi on the Hopi Reservation, displacing as many as 10 families from their homes.
Homes passed down through generations and ancestral farmlands have been devastated by the floodwaters as they surged beyond major flood stage, rising over 36 feet and inundating fields, roads and homes throughout the village of Lower Moencopi.
"A lot of the families, they really had to move fast, very little time to react," Honyumptewa told The Arizona Republic. "They just left with the clothes on their backs. Some families chose to stay a little longer and put themselves in danger, because they have animals that have livestock. They had to try to salvage them, which we are very happy that there were no injuries or casualties."
Lower Moencopi, a Hopi village located just outside Tuba City, is deeply rooted in the preservation of Hopi culture and traditional ways of life. Honyumptewa explained that many homes in the village already lack running water and electricity for residents.
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Honyumptewa has launched a GoFundMe to support Lower Moencopi, raising $13,000 as of Sunday toward its $70,000 fundraising goal.
"We're trying to do the best that we can to be there for them (families)," said Honyumptewa. "So right now, it's just assessing what their needs are, and then trying to make our decisions moving forward based off that information. But, ultimately, the goal is to find something for them long term."
Flooding on the Hopi Reservation has devastated homes and farmlands belonging to families in Lower Moencopi village near Tuba City, Arizona.
Tornadoes, flooding across Southwest
The Southwest, especially Arizona, experienced severe weather in recent days as warm, moist Pacific air collided with a strong low-pressure system moving eastward. High atmospheric moisture, instability and wind shear created favorable conditions for severe storms across central, northern and eastern Arizona.
Severe weather brought two confirmed tornadoes to Arizona in the last week, while devastating floods swept through Navajo Nation communities across Arizona, New Mexico and Utah, as well as border towns near the Four Corners region.
Hopi leaders declared a state of emergency on Oct. 21 after persistent heavy rainfall and widespread flooding swept through northern Arizona.
Continued heavy rainfall triggered flash floods, causing significant damage to bridges, roadways, homes, utilities, buildings, other structures and equipment across multiple communities, Hopi officials said. The storms have also triggered mudslides and rockslides, further threatening infrastructure and public safety.
The Hopi Tribe's emergency declaration remains in effect until 5 p.m. Nov. 6.
Damage could force families to relocate
The affected areas are now considered floodplains, making it unsafe for families to return to their homes. The wash has been completely washed out and leveled, leaving the area vulnerable to future flooding.
With the next rainfall, floodwaters could rise again and cause similar destruction. She emphasized that rebuilding in the same area would leave families vulnerable to future flooding, making relocation to a safer living environment the most practical and sustainable solution.
"This has been very traumatic for the families," said Honyumptewa. "This is their foundation. These homes have been in their families for generations."
Those wishing to provide assistance or seek additional information can contact the village’s community services administrator at 928-283-5212. Monetary donations are also welcome to help support affected families and the community’s recovery via the GoFundMe.Â
