- Doña Ana County lifted the Rincon evacuation order Wednesday morning.
- Officials said the major flooding risk had subsided.
- Floodwater, debris and damaged roads may still pose hazards.
- At least one water rescue was conducted in the area Wednesday morning.
- A donation fund is accepting contributions for flood recovery.
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 — Doña Ana County lifted the evacuation order for Rincon this morning, September 30, after officials determined that the major flooding risk had subsided.
The change allows residents and visitors to return to the community, but county officials cautioned that the danger has not completely passed
.
Flooding, debris, damaged roads and other hazards remain in the area. At least one water rescue was conducted Wednesday morning.
County officials are urging people returning to Rincon to avoid flooded roads and not drive around barricades. Residents also are being asked to stay away from damaged bridges, roads, drainage channels and other potentially dangerous areas.
Standing water and debris also may present hazards in places damaged by the flooding.
Residents are being encouraged to continue following official Doña Ana County and local emergency management updates because conditions could change.
Evacuation Orders Lifted for Nearby Areas.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that evacuation orders have now been lifted for other communities in southern New Mexico affected by flooding from the remnants of Hurricane Polo. Doña Ana County lifted evacuation orders for Hatch and nearby villages late Tuesday, while the order for Rincon, a small unincorporated community north of Hatch, remained in effect until Wednesday afternoon. Although residents are now permitted to return, flooding continues in some areas, including Rincon Road, which remained flooded and closed to traffic Wednesday. Residents of Garfield who evacuated after problems developed at the McLeod Dam also began returning home, with one resident reporting that homes in her area appeared to have escaped the widespread destruction experienced during the region’s major 2006 flood.
Recovery Efforts Begin.
As residents return to areas affected by Tuesday’s flooding, September 29, a fund has been established to help with recovery efforts.
Doña Ana County announced Wednesday that people wishing to help can contribute through the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico’s Greatest Need Impact Fund.
According to the county, the fund supports urgent and changing needs throughout southern New Mexico, including assistance following natural disasters and other unexpected emergencies.
County officials continue to encourage residents to follow official sources for information as flood recovery continues.
