by David Boyle
News Director
A tornado in San Juan County destroyed homes and caused significant damage in the McCracken Mesa and Cahone Mesa areas on Saturday September 13.
Multiple tornado funnels and touchdowns were spotted across southern San Juan County and into Colorado as part of the storm system.
The incident has drawn national news coverage as tornadoes are incredibly rare in San Juan County.
The National Weather Service is gathering information but has yet to give the tornado a rating.
No one was reported injured by the tornadoes, but some homes were destroyed.
All three homes received damage, making them unlivable.
San Juan County sheriff’s office reports additional homes, hay barns, and horse trailers were damaged or destroyed. Livestock and pets were also reported missing.
The tornadoes also downed power poles, which resulted in disruption to power.
Community Health Representatives checked on clients in the area, and the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority also worked to restore power.
The Navajo Department of Emergency Management provided an update on September 15 on recovery efforts, noting help from the office of the Navajo President and Vice President, Navajo Housing Authority, American Red Cross, Utah Commission on Emergency Management and the Aneth Chapter leadership.
An emergency declaration is being reviewed by the Commission on Emergency Management, which could open the door to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) which could possibly open up individual assistance.
As of Tuesday, September 16, donations needed included plywood, lumber, window replacements, building materials, prepared food, wheelbarrows, horse trailer, cattle squeezer, dog house and dog food with donations accepted at the Aneth Chapter warehouse.
The Aneth Chapter house can be reached by email at Aneth@NavajoChapters.org as well as by phone at (435) 651-3525.
Aneth Chapter President Dr. Carma Claw said online that members of the community were able to come together for a chapter meeting on September 14 and share thoughts about the event.
“We are grateful there were no injuries, though we know the loss of homes and property is painful. What we experienced was a rare and serious event for our community, and truly, every one of us has been impacted in some way—whether through property damage, disruption of daily life, or the emotional stress of facing such a storm.”
Navajo Council Delegate Curtis Yanito has also been involved in coordinating relief efforts.
In addition, the Navajo Times reported on a letter from the Diné Hataałii Association, Inc., calling for ceremonies following the destructive tornado.
Tornado destroys homes, property on Sept. 13 near Montezuma Creek
