Two people swept away in Albuquerque arroyo get out safely
By Sasha Lenninger, Mike Bolger
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ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico (KOAT) — Two people were swept away in an arroyo near Moon and Spain around 10 p.m. Tuesday as strong storms rolled through the city.
Albuquerque Fire Rescue says around 10:15 p.m., it received a call about two people swept away in an arroyo.
“There was as many as five people reported that were caught up here, but only two actually went into the water,” said Lt. Jason Fejer with AFR.
Both victims traveled about half a mile until they rescued themselves. Fire officials told KOAT that the victims got lucky and are doing OK.
“Where this runs out, it basically dead ends into the golf course down there. … They were very lucky they were actually able to get out and walk away,” said Fejer.
It’s unclear why five people were in the arroyo late at night.
The incident highlights the serious risks posed by flash flooding, especially as the monsoon season intensifies across New Mexico. Arroyos can fill rapidly during downpours, creating dangerous conditions even when it is not raining nearby.
According to Willie West, real estate manager with the Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority, water in these channels can move at speeds up to 40 mph during flash floods.
“Really, nobody is completely safe from being caught in one of these channels,” West said, adding that smaller arroyos in the northeast heights and west side have proven especially hazardous.
West, along with AFR, urges residents — especially children and homeless people — to avoid using arroyos for recreation or travel.
If someone happens you fall into the arroyo when it’s filled with water, fire officials recommend putting your legs forward, staying above the water and not panicking.
“The biggest thing that fights against you in one of these flood channels is they’re narrow, they’re good at guiding water, and whatever debris in there is going to be the biggest thing working against you,” said Fejer.
If New Mexicans see someone in the arroyo, they are to call for help right away.
“Let us know last place you saw them go in, what they’re wearing, that gives us a description,” said Fejer. “That’s kind of what happened here. They had good people that reported where they went in, and they started deploying crews farther down the Arroyo here.”
He also told KOAT that if you see an encampment in an arroyo, call 311 right away.
While the rain has subsided, more storms are expected toward the end of the week that could cause more rushing waters to flow through the arroyos.
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