ROSWELL, New Mexico – The New Mexico National Guard continued search and rescue operations in Roswell on Sunday after record rainfall caused severe flooding in the city and Chaves County, resulting in the death of at least two people.
Fire officials said 309 people had been rescued since Saturday, including 38 who were taken to hospitals for treatment for undisclosed injuries.
New Mexico State Police said two people died in the flash flood, but information about the victims or the circumstances of their deaths was not immediately released.
The city of Roswell said water levels have dropped in many parts of the city but remain high in the city center. Authorities said all roads leading into and out of the city were closed on Sunday.
The National Weather Service in Albuquerque reported 5.78 inches of rain fell in Roswell on Saturday, breaking the previous daily record of 5.65 inches set on Nov. 1, 1901, for the southeastern New Mexico city.
Search and rescue operations continue Sunday in Roswell, New Mexico, following major flooding.Steven Ray Byrd/Michelle Alexander/NA26Y
Meteorologists warn that further rainfall and flash flooding are possible.
As several homes and businesses began to flood Saturday evening, authorities said seven people were rescued after a car was swept away by floodwaters. Other vehicles were swept into the riverbed.
Albuquerque television station KOAT reported that Chaves County Sheriff Mike Herrington was seen standing on the roof of his vehicle surrounded by floodwater. Herrington said he had to go to the roof of his vehicle when he and several other vehicles became stuck in water up to the windows.
Authorities set up a shelter at the fairgrounds in eastern New Mexico for Roswell residents displaced by flooding.
“We worked through the night and continue to work with rapid water rescue teams and other partner agencies to help get our fellow citizens to safety,” Maj. Gen. Miguel Aguilar, adjutant general of the New Mexico National Guard, said in a statement.
Guard officials said they “will remain on duty to assist Roswell as long as necessary,” and there are 57 guardsmen on site.
They said the Guard had several tactical vehicles on the scene that were capable of submerging in 4 feet of water.