ROSWELL, NM– The New Mexico National Guard continued search and rescue operations Sunday in Roswell after record rains resulted in severe flooding in and around the city and Chaves County, killing at least one person.
Guard officials said 290 people have been rescued since Saturday, with 38 taken to hospitals.
City officials said one person has died, but no details have been released.
The National Weather Service 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 city of New Mexico was broken.
As several homes and businesses were flooded on Saturday, authorities said seven people were rescued after a car was swept away by the water.
Albuquerque TV channel KOAT reported that the county sheriff had to evacuate on the roof of his vehicle after his truck was among several vehicles stranded in water up to their windows.
Roswell police said rescue operations were underway in the city on Sunday, with meteorologists saying more rain and flash flooding were possible.
“We worked through the night and continue to collaborate with rapid water rescue teams and other partner organizations to 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 for as long as necessary” with 57 Guardsmen on the ground.
They said the guard had several tactical vehicles on site capable of driving in water 4 feet deep.