ROSWELL, New Mexico (AP) – New Mexico authorities rescued hundreds of people in the Roswell area afterward record rainfall caused severe flooding that trapped many people – including a sheriff who escaped the flood on the roof of his vehicle – and resulted in the deaths of at least two people.
New Mexico National Guard officials said 309 people had been rescued since Saturday, including 38 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.
Albuquerque KOAT television station reported that Chaves County Sheriff Mike Herrington was seen standing on the roof of his vehicle surrounded by floodwaters. 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.
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 said about 4.7 inches of rain fell in Roswell on Saturday, breaking the previous daily record of about 4.6 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.
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 at the scene that could submerge in 1.2 meters of water.