“Waiting for Relief: The Ongoing Struggle of Wildfire Victims in New Mexico”

LAS VEGAS, N.M. – The town of Las Vegas, New Mexico, is facing a drinking water crisis after flash flooding off a two-year-old wildfire burn scar contaminated the Gallinas River, the main drinking water source for the community. The flooding, which occurred in June, has left the town of 13,000 residents struggling to access clean water, with conservation measures and temporary filtration systems being put in place to address the issue.

Yolanda Cruz, a community activist whose property was damaged by both the wildfire and the recent flooding, is among many residents still waiting for federal aid to recover from the disasters. Despite the passage of a federal law allocating nearly $4 billion for wildfire survivors, communities, and tribes, many individuals like Cruz have yet to receive the assistance they were promised.

Cruz’s septic system and well were destroyed in the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire, forcing her family to purchase expensive cisterns for drinking water. The recent floods have only added to her financial burden, as she continues to wait for FEMA to process her claim, which has been pending for over 250 days.

The delays in aid distribution have left many survivors frustrated and disillusioned with FEMA’s response. Jack Rowe, whose home was destroyed in the wildfire, believes that FEMA’s lack of understanding of the local culture and demographics has contributed to the slow progress in providing assistance to those in need.

FEMA officials acknowledge that there were initial challenges in implementing the aid program for wildfire victims, but they have since made improvements to expedite the claims process. As of the latest data, over $900 million has been paid out to more than 5,000 applicants, but there is still approximately $3 billion remaining unspent.

Mayor David Romero of Las Vegas believes that FEMA’s traditional model of short-term disaster recovery is not sufficient for addressing the long-term needs of communities like his. The town is still waiting for federal funds to build a new water treatment plant that is more resilient to future disasters.

Despite the ongoing challenges, residents like Vicki Garland and her partner Jack Rowe are determined to rebuild their lives, even if it means moving away from their hometown. Garland expressed frustration with FEMA’s handling of their claims, questioning whether the agency is intentionally delaying assistance to wear down survivors and force them to settle for less.

As Las Vegas continues to grapple with the aftermath of the wildfire and subsequent flooding, the community remains resilient but in need of urgent support to recover and rebuild.