State of emergency on Navajo Nation due to winter weather

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – The Navajo Nation continues to maintain a State of Emergency declared by the Navajo Nation Commission on Emergency Management due to severe winter snow storms and subsequent mud from snowmelt creating potential public health and safety risks across the Navajo Nation.

Nygren granted two hours of Administrative Leave for Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., to all Navajo Nation Executive Branch employees, permanent and temporary.

Declaration CEM 23-01-19 acknowledges severe winter conditions has affected the Nation and remains in effect for the purposes of directing the response to public health and safety risks.

The declaration was adopted by the commission on Jan. 19, 2023 and concurred by Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren. It has not been rescinded.

Currently, the commission is reviewing new data from the Department of Emergency Management and Community Health Representatives to determine whether an update to the current resolution is necessary.

The focus is to provide additional resources to ensure the protection and well-being of residents, especially those in isolated areas facing the worst of the storm.

“Relatives are currently experiencing needs for assistance because of current storms,” Nygren said. “Additional storms are forecasted for the week ahead. I want to assure the Navajo people the declaration is still in effect.”

He said his staff and the Department of Emergency Management are responding to active requests and are preparing for anticipated needs of emergency response.

Updates will be communicated on the status and actions taken on the emergency.

During this fluid emergency declaration, Chapters are assisting with coordinating and executing resources for their communities. Updates will be forthcoming throughout the day.

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – The Navajo Nation continues to maintain a State of Emergency declared by the Navajo Nation Commission on Emergency Management due to severe winter snow storms and subsequent mud from snowmelt creating potential public health and safety risks across the Navajo Nation.

Nygren granted two hours of Administrative Leave for Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., to all Navajo Nation Executive Branch employees, permanent and temporary.

Declaration CEM 23-01-19 acknowledges severe winter conditions has affected the Nation and remains in effect for the purposes of directing the response to public health and safety risks.

The declaration was adopted by the commission on Jan. 19, 2023 and concurred by Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren. It has not been rescinded.

Currently, the commission is reviewing new data from the Department of Emergency Management and Community Health Representatives to determine whether an update to the current resolution is necessary.

The focus is to provide additional resources to ensure the protection and well-being of residents, especially those in isolated areas facing the worst of the storm.

“Relatives are currently experiencing needs for assistance because of current storms,” Nygren said. “Additional storms are forecasted for the week ahead. I want to assure the Navajo people the declaration is still in effect.”

He said his staff and the Department of Emergency Management are responding to active requests and are preparing for anticipated needs of emergency response.

Updates will be communicated on the status and actions taken on the emergency.

During this fluid emergency declaration, Chapters are assisting with coordinating and executing resources for their communities. Updates will be forthcoming throughout the day.