At least two people died and hundreds were rescued in Roswell, New Mexico, after overnight extreme rainfall caused severe flooding that stranded drivers and swept away cars, according to New Mexico State Police.
The New Mexico National Guard and other agencies rescued at least 290 people, including 38 who were taken to hospitals, the agency confirmed in a statement.
No details were given on the confirmed death toll. “Crews are still on scene and rescue efforts are ongoing,” New Mexico State Police Trooper Amanda Richards told CNN.
The National Weather Service declared overnight flooding in Roswell and nearby areas after emergency management in Chaves County reported multiple water rescues. Additionally, a flood watch has been issued for much of eastern New Mexico, effective through early Monday morning. More warnings may be issued as the situation is monitored for the possibility of flash flooding.
The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) indicates rainfall amounts of 1.5 to 2 inches per hour are possible across the region. Although the threat of severe thunderstorms has decreased in the Roswell area, it remains in eastern and northeastern New Mexico through Monday morning.
The weather service too warned widespread showers and thunderstorms will continue through Sunday in central and eastern New Mexico and will bring a risk of large hail, damaging wind gusts, tornadoes, as well as flash flooding and river overflows, “particularly in the Roswell area.”
A truck was seen submerged in water during flooding in New Mexico. – Chaves County Sheriff’s Office
On Saturday, Roswell recorded 5.78 inches of precipitation, a record for any date, surpassing the previous total of 5.65 inches set on Nov. 1, 1901, according to National Weather Service. It also broke the daily record set in 1983 and is four times the region’s average October rainfall.
The Spring River in the Cahoon area has reached dangerous levels, stranding several vehicles under bridges along the river and causing water to enter homes in the area. Water levels have since receded in some areas, but the city says they remain high in downtown Roswell and throughout the city along the Spring River Canal.
“Multiple drivers were stranded when their vehicles became stuck in floodwaters on multiple streets,” the city of Roswell said in a statement. “Some people had to wait for rescue in vehicles flooded with water. Some of the vehicles were swept away by the water into the riverbed. One death has been confirmed due to the flood. Search and rescue operations are still ongoing this morning.”
This photo shows flooding in Roswell, New Mexico, Monday, October 21, 2024 – Tom Hudgens/AP
Videos released by Chaves County Sheriff Mike Herrington show him standing on the roof of his vehicle around midnight Sunday, surrounded by floodwaters that swept away his car along with other stranded vehicles. Herrington says in the videos, which also show flood rescue operations, people’s homes and cars were flooded.
“We sympathize with the people of New Mexico affected by the recent flooding in our state,” said Maj. Gen. Miguel Aguilar, adjutant general of the New Mexico National Guard. “Due to the previous flood in Ruidoso, we have experience and were ready for this. We worked through the night and continue to work with rapid water rescue teams and other partner agencies to help our fellow citizens get to safety.”
The Guard’s Community Emergency Response Team conducted at least one rescue on a high-water line overnight, “a skill they have been trained in in the wake of the Ruidoso flood,” the National Guard said, adding they will remain on duty to help the city that long , as necessary .
State Police officers were able to locate and rescue a family of seven surrounded by floodwaters on Twin Bluff Road in Roswell, the department said in a post on X.
Flood damage in New Mexico on October 20, 2024 – Chaves County Sheriff’s Office
In a video posted on Facebook, the Chaves County Sheriff’s Office warned people not to drive on the water because it causes major damage to local roads.
“The asphalt has been eaten away,” sheriff’s deputy Charles Yslas said, showing cracked asphalt on the damaged roadway and huge puddles.
“You just don’t know what the road looks like underwater. That’s why we ask everyone to stay at home,” Yslas said in the video. “Life is not worth living trying to take pictures.”
He explained that the force of the water was “enormous,” as evidenced by the camper seen in the video in the middle of a field next to the road.
This image from video footage shows debris and damage during severe flooding in Roswell, New Mexico, Sunday, October 20, 2024 – Juliana Halvorson/AP
Roswell Air Center, an airport near the city, is closed and flights on Sunday and Monday were canceled due to the storm, flooding and debris, officials announced on Facebook. “An assessment will be conducted on Monday morning to determine whether flights can resume this afternoon,” the post said.
The ordeal also led to the closure of other city facilities until further notice, including the Recreation and Aquatic Center, Spring River Zoo, public library, local museum, convention center, golf course and cemetery.
City officials have asked residents to stay off the streets as rescue operations continue and some areas remain unsafe.
Roswell residents affected by flooding and needing to evacuate are being provided with shelter.
Roads towards Roswell are closed. Richards said residents can leave the area but will not be able to return. Those who choose to leave cannot use Highway 285.
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