ZUNI PUEBLO, N.M. — The New Mexico National Guard deployed 14 service members to support the emergency response to severe flooding in Zuni Pueblo.
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an emergency order Friday, authorizing the deployment of 13 Army National Guard Soldiers and an Air National Guard Airman. They will help local and state officials with engineering support, including berm reinforcement and road clearing to help restore access and protect critical infrastructure.
Six of the Guardsmen are specially trained members of their Community Emergency Response Team. All of them will be ready to conduct swift water rescue operations if they need to.
“When disaster strikes, readiness matters. New Mexico funds a small, dedicated standing team of National Guard personnel who train year-round for precisely these moments,” said Maj. Gen. Miguel Aguilar, the Adjutant General of New Mexico. “Their ready expertise in heavy equipment operations, swift water rescue, and emergency management support is increasingly critical to the safety of our state. Today, that highly capable force is on the ground, bringing essential support to the people of Zuni Pueblo during their time of need.”
The New Mexico National Guard has responded to other flooding emergencies, such as in Ruidoso in 2024. That prompted the Guard to ensure CERT members are swift water rescue certified.
