Gallup Businesses Struggle After Record-Breaking Floodwaters Inundate City

July 23, 2026 - 02:28

"This is one of the worst floods I've ever seen in my life," New Mexico Pottery Company owner Thomas Piano told KOAT. His words capture the shock felt across Gallup after severe flooding swept through the city, leaving a trail of damage for local businesses. Piano described watching the water rise relentlessly, saying, "It got higher, and higher," as mud and debris poured into his shop, destroying inventory and equipment.

The flooding, triggered by intense rainfall, overwhelmed drainage systems and turned streets into rivers. Business owners spent hours pumping out water and salvaging what they could. Many reported losses running into thousands of dollars, with merchandise, furniture, and structural elements ruined. Some shops remain closed as they assess the damage and wait for insurance adjusters.

Local officials have declared a state of emergency, allowing access to state resources for cleanup and recovery. Emergency crews worked through the night to clear debris and restore access to affected areas. Residents and business owners alike are calling for long-term solutions to prevent future disasters, noting that this is not the first time Gallup has faced such devastation. For now, the community is pulling together, with neighbors helping neighbors shovel mud and dry out soaked buildings. The road to recovery will be long, but many are determined to rebuild.