ROSWELL, NM– Authorities in New Mexico subsequently rescued hundreds of people in the Roswell area record rainfall caused severe flooding that left many stranded in high water – including a sheriff who escaped the water on the roof of his vehicle – and left at least two people dead.
New Mexico National Guard officials said 309 people have been rescued since Saturday, with 38 taken to hospitals for treatment of undisclosed injuries. New Mexico State Police said two people died as a result of the flash flooding, but information about the victims or the circumstances of their deaths was not immediately released.
Albuquerque TV channel KOAT reported that Chaves County Sheriff Mike Herrington was seen on top of his vehicle, surrounded by floodwaters. Herrington said he had to get to the roof of his vehicle when it and several other vehicles became stranded in water up to the windows.
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 city of New Mexico was broken.
Meteorologists said more rain and flash flooding were possible.
As several homes and businesses were flooded Saturday evening, authorities said seven people were rescued after a car was swept away by the water. Other vehicles were swept into a river channel.
Authorities have set up a shelter at the fairgrounds in eastern New Mexico for Roswell residents displaced by the floods.
“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.