The New Mexico National Guard continued search and rescue operations in Roswell on Sunday after record rainfall caused severe flooding in and around the city and Chaves County, leaving at least two people dead. The flooding even forced the local sheriff to seek shelter on the roof of his police truck, which was stuck in water up to the windows.
Guard officials said 309 people had been rescued since Saturday, 38 of whom were taken to hospitals for treatment of 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.
One Roswell resident told CBS affiliate KRQE-TV he saw parts of the city flood within minutes.
“I looked over and in such a short time her basement was flooded, the whole street was flooded from house to house and it was flowing down like a raging river,” David Heckman told the station.
STEVEN RAY BYRD/via REUTERS
Several KRQE viewers submitted dramatic photos and videos of flooded roads and neighborhoods.
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.
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.
Chaves County Sheriff Mike Herrington posted a video on social media showing him standing on the roof of a 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.
“I’m completely surrounded by water right now,” Herrington says in the video.
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,” with 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.
Roswell Mayor Tim Jennings said the city lost three fire trucks in the floods, KRQE reports.
“It was caused by flooding and people were sitting on top of their cars all over the city,” Jennings said.
