More than 40 people near the Tohono O’odham village of Ali Chuk are still in a shelter after being evacuated due to flood damage from remnants of Tropical Storm Rosa last week.
Officials were initially worried that the 22-foot earthen Menager’s Dam was going to overflow. That didn’t happen, but there have been days of repairs made there, officials say.
Weather officials have said the area southwest of Tucson near the Mexico border received up to 7 inches of rain within a 72-hour period last week. Southern Arizona received rain again during the weekend, and thunderstorms are forecast later this week.
Flooding made some roads impassable and caused erosion in the area.So far, 50 homes and public buildings on Tohono O’odham land have been assessed for damage, a news release Tuesday said. Nation officials will continue to assess other spots and roads.
Officials with the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs have been monitoring the dam and are looking to pump the lake to lower water levels.
Two pipes were installed over the weekend and more equipment is on the way. More than 80 volunteers helped place more than 1,000 sandbags along the dam.
The area should still be avoided by the public due to safety concerns, the release said.
Meanwhile, an emergency shelter remains open for evacuees.
The community of Ali Chuk is home to more than 100 people, including 23 who were evacuated to shelters near Sells last week. Others refused to leave or left later in their own vehicles.
More than 30 residents of the Kohatk village also were evacuated last week.
Water, food, clothing and home items have been donated to the shelter, but donations are still being accepted. Anyone interested in donating can call 993-1079.
