What happened
Evacuation orders have been issued in towns around Doña Ana County, New Mexico, due to concerns over a possible dam failure. Heavy showers have threatened the integrity of the McLeod Dam, also known as the Garfield Dam, which is meant to prevent flash floods.
The village of Hatch, with a population of around 1,500 to 1,600 people, received an evacuation order on Tuesday after waters began to overwhelm the dam. Residents in nearby agricultural communities, including Salem, Garfield, and Rincon, were also urged to seek safer ground.
According to officials, the McLeod Dam experienced a small piping failure, but it has since been mitigated and no water is currently exiting the dam. Pumps are being sent to the site to alleviate pressure on the dam by pumping water out downstream.
In addition to the dam concerns, the Rio Grande River has overtopped its banks in low-lying areas, but officials do not believe the levy itself has been compromised.
