Flash flooding in New Mexico over the weekend left two people dead as a city not used to the sheer amounts of water that fell is reeling from the deadly impact of the extreme weather phenomenon.
Hundreds were also rescued after Roswell and surrounding areas in Chaves County were overcome by flash floods, which damaged homes and swept cars away.
At least 38 people were taken to the hospital, the New Mexico National Guard and state police both confirmed, with the official number of those rescued from the floods estimated to be around 290.
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Emergency services worked through the night to ensure the safety of as many people as they could, including a family of seven they were able to pull to safety that had been surrounded by the water, The Independent reported.
Saturday’s rainfall, which caused much of the flooding and subsequent damage, reportedly set an all-time daily rainfall record, sending over 5.78 inches cascading down over the region, according to the National Weather Service. By comparison, the surrounding county of Chaves recorded 9 inches of rain, breaking the previous record of 5.65 inches from November 1901.
Mike Herrington, the Chaves County sheriff, said in a warning to residents delivered from the top of his submerged truck that residents should stay home unless it’s absolutely necessary for them to go out.
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“I’m completely surrounded by water at this time,” he said in a video he shared to Facebook, adding that he was “swept off” into the floods. He continued, “To all of you in Chaves County, please stay at home. Do not go out. Those people here on the west side of Roswell, a lot of their houses are flooded. Their cars are flooded.”
He added, “I’m shaking a bit, as it’s chilly out here. I’m sitting on top of my vehicle. Be careful. I’m safe. I’m waiting until the water goes down.” Roswell reportedly recorded record levels of water, which have since receded in many areas, though levels remained high along the city’s Spring River, which was said to have overflowed to dangerous levels.
Many local facilities, including the municipal court, public library, local museum, convention center, golf course and a cemetery are slated to remain closed through Monday, the city said.
Maj. Gen. Miguel Aguilar of the New Mexico National Guard, who serves as its adjutant general, said in a statement, “We feel for the New Mexicans affected by this latest flooding in our state. Because of the previous flooding in Ruidoso, we have the experience and were 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.”
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujhan Grisham thanked emergency services for their work in a post on X, writing, “Thank you to the New Mexico National Guard for stepping up to assist those who need it in the aftermath of historic flash flooding in Roswell. Please heed authorities’ warnings and stay off area roadways. We continue to monitor this developing situation.”
