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At least 1 dead, over 300 people rescued after Roswell receives over 5 inches of precipitation
A person is helped to safety from a vehicle that became stuck in flood waters. Over 5 inches of precipitation fell in and around Roswell last month, causing severe flooding.
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The New Mexico National Guard continued search and rescue operations after more than 5 inches of rain fell in and around Roswell Saturday, causing floods and claiming at least one life.
According to the Associated Press, the National Guard rescued 309 people — 38 of which were taken to local hospitals with undisclosed injuries.
There are conflicting reports as to the number of fatalities resulting from the floods. New Mexico State Police spokesperson Amanda Richards told the Journal there were two deaths while Roswell police spokesperson Todd Wildermuth said one person died.
According to a city of Roswell social media post, Mayor Timothy Jennings has spoken to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham about declaring an emergency for Roswell and Chaves County.
“That official declaration should be forthcoming,” the post states.
According to the National Weather Service, Roswell Air Center received 5.78 inches of precipitation Saturday, which breaks an almost 123-year record — 5.65 inches — that was set on Nov. 1, 1901.
Some parts of the area received as much as 7.81 inches, said Raymond Jojola of the National Weather Service.
“That’s quite a bit of rain all at once,” he said.
On Facebook, Chaves County Undersheriff Charles Yslas said the water was “unbelievable in areas.”
KOAT-TV reported that Chaves County Sheriff Mike Herrington was seen standing on top of his vehicle surrounded by floodwaters. Herrington said he had to go to the roof of his vehicle when it and other vehicles became stranded in water that rose up to the windows.
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On Sunday morning, the city of Roswell announced that water levels receded in many parts of town, but remain high in its downtown area and along the Spring River channel, which overflowed.
“Please remain off the streets if possible,” the city said. “Flooding response efforts continue and some areas remain dangerous. Debris on the streets also poses a danger. The less traffic on the streets, the more efficiently cleanup work can take place.”
The city also said flights were canceled through Monday morning.
Meteorologists predicted additional precipitation on Sunday.
According to a NWS X post, both flash flooding and river flooding are possible, especially in the Roswell area. Severe storms could produce large hail, damaging wind gusts “and even a tornado or two.”
“We feel for the New Mexicans affected by this latest flooding in our state,” said Maj. Gen. Miguel Aguilar, the NM National Guard’s Adjutant General, in a statement. “Because of the previous flooding in Ruidoso, we have the experience and we’re ready for this. We’ve worked all night and continue to work with swift water rescue teams and other partner agencies to help our fellow citizens get to safety.”
NM National Guard spokesperson Hank Minitrez said there are 57 members of the Guard on the ground along with five light/medium tactical vehicles that have transported those who had to be rescued.
The Guard’s Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT, performed at least one swift water rope save overnight. It’s a skill the team was trained in as a result of the Ruidoso floods, Minitrez said.
He said the Guard will remain in Roswell as long as necessary.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
