Heavy rains late last week caused severe flooding in Bloomfield, NM, submerging dozens of homes and leaving families displaced. The south side of town was especially hard hit, with water turning streets into a makeshift river and mud replacing what was once several feet of standing water.
Residents describe the emotional toll
“It’s terrible,” said Ryan Eckmeyer, who awoke on Friday to find his house filled with water. “You can’t explain the emotions. It’s so much anxiety, so much pressure and so much stress. We don’t even know what we’ve lost yet.”
Long‑time resident Randy Rutledge, who has lived in his family home for 26 years, described the scene as unprecedented. “This is the first time it’s ever turned this entire little neighborhood into a river,” he said. The floodwaters damaged his home’s floorboards, which had survived generations until Thursday night.
Rutledge’s children, who have grown up in the house, now face the prospect of rebuilding their lives. “My kids have started growing up in this house, so that’s sitting hard,” he added.
Physical damage spreads beyond homes
Mud has seeped into backyards, knocking over grills and shifting structures. In Rutledge’s yard, a shed moved an entire foot from its original location. “We’re trying to salvage what we can, but there’s not much to salvage,” he said.
Neighbors report similar losses, with personal items, furniture, and even vehicles submerged or ruined. The community’s immediate challenge is determining how to begin the recovery process.
Community seeks assistance
Both Eckmeyer and Rutledge emphasized the need for help. “Help, help, help as much as you can,” Eckmeyer urged. Residents are reaching out to local charities, churches, and the Red Cross for food, clothing, and temporary shelter.
Local officials have begun coordinating with state emergency management to assess damage and allocate resources. While no formal disaster declaration has been issued yet, city leaders say they are monitoring the situation closely and will request additional support if needed.
Looking ahead
For many Bloomfield families, the road to recovery will be long. “Everybody’s wondering what they’re going to do,” Rutledge said. “Jobs around here don’t pay like they should, so they’re in the same boat.” The community hopes that combined efforts from neighbors, faith groups, and government agencies will help restore the town to its former stability.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
