Flooding in Roswell, New Mexico, has resulted in two deaths and dozens of hospitalizations.
The city experienced historic rainfall that brought severe flooding on Saturday night.
“The New Mexico National Guard worked through the overnight hours, along with other county and state agencies, responding to the flooding in and around Roswell,” the New Mexico National Guard posted to Facebook.
“As of this release, the NM Guard and other agencies have rescued 290 people. 38 were taken to local hospitals,” it added.
Prayers for our small town Roswell NM, so many people are now trying to figure out where to go, still looking for family members and we are still checking on as many elders as we can.
We are told to expecting more flooding rains this evening. pic.twitter.com/aoPdlNKphd
— DKJ (@denese_karla) October 20, 2024
Apparently my hometown flooded last night??? Why is this much water in Roswell, NM??? pic.twitter.com/pIDqGZDk0F
— Curved Planet
(@CurvedPlanet) October 20, 2024
KOAT reports:
According to officials from the city of Roswell and New Mexico State Police, two people have died as a result of the flooding in the city.
ADVERTISEMENTCity officials also say several vehicles were swept away in a river channel.
The National Weather Service reports seven people were rescued after a car was swept away in flood water.
The National Guard has also rescued nearly 300 people from floodwaters.
According to the National Weather Service, 5.78″ of rain fell at the Roswell Air Center. This is a new all-time record for the city. The previous record was set in 1901.
“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.
“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,” Aguilar added.
What’s going on in Roswell, New Mexico? Their town is flooded, and people are having to be rescued. They haven’t had this much rain since 1901.
I know, it’s just another coincidence? I wonder why? Does this county have something of value.Anyone? pic.twitter.com/Pjf5KhJ8wO
— Lisa
(@Lisahudsonchow7) October 20, 2024
People trapped in Flash Flooding in Roswell, New Mexico
How? pic.twitter.com/jzZsBGHnMA
— Concerned Citizen (@BGatesIsaPyscho) October 20, 2024
Per CNN:
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. Water levels have since receded in some areas, but remain high in downtown Roswell and throughout town along the Spring River channel, according to the city.
ADVERTISEMENT“Many motorists became stranded when their vehicles got stuck in flood waters on many streets,” the City of Roswell said in a statement. “Some people had to await rescue on top of their vehicles that were covered by water. Some vehicles were swept by the water into the river channel. One fatality has been confirmed as a result of the flooding. Search-and-rescue efforts are still underway this morning.”
Videos posted by Chaves County Sheriff Mike Herrington show him standing on top of his vehicle on Sunday around midnight, surrounded by floodwaters that swept his car away along with other stranded vehicles. People’s houses and cars flooded, Herrington says in the videos, which also show floodwater rescues.
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