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At least two people have died, and hundreds have been rescued in Roswell, New Mexico, following severe overnight rainfall that led to extreme flooding. The New Mexico National Guard and other agencies have rescued at least 290 people, including 38 who were taken to hospitals, according to a statement from the New Mexico State Police. The identities of the fatalities have not been released yet.
The National Weather Service declared an overnight flash flood emergency for Roswell and nearby areas, as emergency management within Chaves County reported numerous water rescues. A flood watch has been issued for a large portion of eastern New Mexico, effective until early Monday morning. The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) indicates that rainfall rates could reach between 1.5 and 2 inches per hour throughout the region.
Roswell recorded 5.78” of rainfall on Saturday, setting a record for any date and surpassing the prior mark of 5.65” set on November 1, 1901. This 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 rose to dangerous levels, stranding several vehicles under bridges along the river, with water entering homes in the area.
Chaves County Sheriff Mike Herrington posted videos showing him standing on top of his vehicle on Sunday around midnight, surrounded by floodwaters that swept his car away along with other stranded vehicles. The New Mexico National Guard’s Community Emergency Response Team performed at least one swift water rope rescue overnight.
The Roswell Air Center, an airport near the city, is closed, and flights were canceled for Sunday and Monday because of the storm, flooding, and debris. Other city facilities such as the Recreation and Aquatic Center, the Spring River Zoo, the public library, the local museum, the convention center, a golf course, and a cemetery are also closed until further notice. City officials have asked residents to stay off the streets as response efforts continue, and some areas remain dangerous. A shelter is available to Roswell residents who are affected by the flooding and need to evacuate.