Deming Local agencies shelter 350 stranded people

From the Deming Headlight - With local lodging packed to capacity, 350 travelers stranded by Monday's winter blitz found a temporary home at the Mimbres Valley Learning Center. The American Red Cross joined teamwork from most local government agencies, including Luna County, city of Deming and New Mexico State Police to respond to the sudden snowfall. The night-long affair began Monday evening shortly after Interstate 10 was closed and motorists were forced to exit into Deming. Those that were unable to find lodging at local hotels which quickly filled with other stranded motorists found their way to the MVLC, where the Red Cross greeted the travelers with warm cots and blankets, food, refreshments and shelter from the elements. "We're in Southern New Mexico, this shouldn't be happening," James Scoggan, of Houston, Tx., said of the weather. He and a friend were on a drive back home from visiting Arizona when the I-10 closure forced them to seek shelter in Deming. "We knew a front was going through, but we didn't know it would be this bad." That sense of surprise was common amongst those seeking shelter at the temporary Red Cross site. One man, who obviously did not see the weather coming, was seen running to and from his ride in shorts and a t-shirt. Others were found huddled in the learning center wrapped in blankets and trying to keep occupied. Some played card games, others snacked and most used the time to regain strength to hit the road again. Read more
Share/Bookmark

0 comments:

Post a Comment