Emergency Operations Base Moves Out To Window Rock

By Tammy Gray-Searles
   Emergency operations based in Holbrook were winding down Monday morning, with a transition to Window Rock emergency operations expected to have been completed by Tuesday evening.
   “All the activities for the Navajo Nation and Hopi Tribe will be conducted through the Window Rock emergency operations center,” Navajo County Emergency Operations information officer Tiffany Ashworth said.
   Members of the state emergency team were also expected to leave on Tuesday. They had been in Holbrook to assist with the emergency operation since Jan. 23.
   Ashworth explained that there has been no new snow since a small storm last week added a couple inches to the snowfall totals on reservation lands. She noted that while there are still a few families stranded, many are no longer snow-bound. Ashworth pointed out, however, that mud has become a problem since many reservation roads are unpaved.
   “It’s extremely muddy. That’s where a lot of the problem is right now,” she said. “People are still getting stuck.”
   Food and other supplies, such as water and fuel, are still being delivered to the Navajo and Hopi lands to assist those who are stuck. Ashworth noted that seven stockpile points have been created, and the Arizona National Guard has been delivering supplies to those points. From there, the supplies are distributed to chapter houses or villages, which then distribute the food to individuals and families. Stockpile points are Kayenta, Piñon, Tuba City, Dilkon, Window Rock, Chinle and Kykotsmovi.
   “The National Guard is unable at this time to distribute to individuals,” she said.
   According to Ashworth, a number of volunteers have stepped in to help make deliveries to individuals unable to reach the chapter houses. She also noted that in some areas, individuals have become self-sufficient again, and services in those areas are being demobilized. She noted that individuals still in need of assistance should contact their local chapter house or village.