Relief organizations are working to deliver essential supplies to families in Bluff and surrounding areas following historic, back-to-back flood events that have submerged dozens of homes and businesses. The ongoing crisis follows a major evacuation order issued on Oct. 25, 2026, when the Navajo Nation Department of Emergency Management ordered residents in Bluff, Montezuma Creek, and Aneth to flee rising waters of the San Juan River.
Community Relief Efforts
Substantial damage has occurred due to repeated flooding in the region. According to the Bluff Community Foundation, historic flooding continues to overwhelm the Bluff, Utah area, with back-to-back flood events leaving dozens of homes and businesses underwater. The foundation has established a relief request form for those impacted by the event and is soliciting both volunteers and specific donation requests to assist the community.
Emergency Evacuations
As the flooding progressed, the Navajo Nation Department of Emergency Management (NDEM) issued a formal Notice of Evacuation at 11:15 PM (MST) on Oct. 25, 2026. The notice was prompted by preparations for high water levels of the San Juan River. At the time of the order, the NDEM estimated that a total of 150 people would be evacuated from the Montezuma Creek and Aneth communities alone.
Shelter and Safety
During the emergency, an evacuation shelter was established at the Aneth Community School, located at 162 San Juan County Rd. #466, in Montezuma Creek, UT 84534. Officials advised residents to prepare to be away from their homes for multiple days and recommended bringing medications, identification, important documents, personal hygiene items, change of clothes, pillows, blankets, cell phones, and chargers.
Supply Coordination
Redtail Air is actively coordinating the delivery of aid to those in need. The organization is requesting urgent donations of specific supplies to be flown and driven to flood-affected families. Requested items include blankets, non-perishable food, bottled water, battery banks, portable chargers, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, and firewood.
Donation Logistics
To facilitate aid delivery, Redtail Air has requested that donors provide 30 minutes of notice to Iris at 435-260-9438 before dropping off donations at any of three Moab locations. The organization stated that relief efforts are ongoing and that updates regarding donation deadlines will be shared as they become available.
Coordinated Response
The scale of the disaster has prompted a coordinated response between local foundations and aviation services. While the Bluff Community Foundation focuses on direct financial relief where every dollar goes straight to families in Bluff and neighboring communities, Redtail Air is managing the logistical challenge of transporting physical goods to those displaced by the San Juan River's rise.
Emergency Contacts
The incident command post for the emergency response was located at the Montezuma Creek EMS Station. For residents requiring assistance with evacuation, the Montezuma Creek EMS Station provided a contact number at 435-651-3754. Updates regarding the situation have been directed to the Navajo Police Department’s Facebook page.
