Trending Topics

Over 300 rescued during severe flooding in N.M. city

Flooding in and around Roswell left two people dead, several injured and a trail of destruction

Associated Press

ROSWELL, N.M. — The New Mexico National Guard continued search and rescue operations Sunday in Roswell after record rainfall produced severe flooding in and around the city and Chaves County and left at least two people dead.

Guard officials said 309 people had been rescued since Saturday, with 38 of those taken to hospitals for treatment of undisclosed injuries.


Every day is a good day to understand the impact of climate change, reduce our emissions and self-treat our stress with a dose of nature

New Mexico State Police said two people died as a result of the flash flood, but information on the victims or the circumstances of their deaths wasn’t immediately released.

Roswell city officials said water levels had receded in many parts of the city but remained high in the downtown area. All roads leading to and from the city were closed Sunday, authorities said.

The National Weather Service in Albuquerque said 5.78 inches (about 14.7 centimeters) of rain fell on Roswell on Saturday, breaking the previous daily record of 5.65 inches (about 14.6 centimeters) set on Nov. 1, 1901, for the southeastern New Mexico city.

Meteorologists said more rain and flash floods were possible.

As several homes and businesses began to flood Saturday night, authorities said seven people were rescued after a car was swept away in floodwaters. Other vehicles were swept away into a river channel.

Albuquerque TV station KOAT reported that Chaves County Sheriff Mike Herrington was seen standing on top of his vehicle surrounded by floodwaters. Herrington said he had to go to the roof of his vehicle when it and several vehicles others became stranded in water that rose up to the windows.

Authorities set up a shelter at the Eastern New Mexico state fairgrounds for Roswell residents displaced by the flooding.

“We’ve worked all night and continue to work with swift water rescue teams and other partner agencies to help our fellow citizens get to safety,” Maj. Gen. Miguel Aguilar, the New Mexico National Guard’s adjutant general, said in a statement.

Guard officials said they will “remain on duty to help Roswell as long as necessary” with 57 guardsmen on the ground.

They said the Guard had several tactical vehicles at the scene that were capable of driving in 4 feet (1.2 meters) of water.


Prepare for the impact of extreme weather on critical infrastructure and EMS operations
Trending
The 9th annual What Paramedics Want survey wants to hear from medical first responders, EMTs and paramedics about their career satisfaction, health and wellness
Which of these viral TikTok fitness trends will you try next?
There is more than one way to make an impact on your friends’ and neighbors’ wellbeing
Decatur Morgan Hospital’s ambulance service began operations two years ago after the hospital outbid Lifeguard Ambulance