New Mexico Flash Flood Tragedy: Two Dead, Hundreds Rescued in Roswell

New Mexico Flash Flood Tragedy Two Dead, Hundreds Rescued in Roswell
Image By: FOX Weather

After thunderstorms and heavy rain battered the Roswell area late Saturday and early Sunday, causing rare Flash Flood Emergencies as water trapped residents in their homes and vehicles surrounded by rushing water, at least two people were killed and hundreds were rescued in parts of New Mexico.

Officials said rescue operations have been going on all across the Roswell region since Saturday as a result of the heavy rain and rising water levels.

At least two fatalities from the flooding in Roswell have been reported by the New Mexico State Police (NMSP).

The City of Roswell stated in a Facebook post that a large number of drivers were left stranded by the floods, and that some of them had to sit on top of their stranded cars as they waited for help.

After being called in to assist with rescue attempts, the New Mexico National Guard said that they had pulled at least 290 individuals out of the floodwaters, with at least 38 of them requiring medical attention at nearby hospitals.

“We feel for the New Mexicans affected by this latest flooding in our state,” New Mexico National Guard Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Miguel Aguilar stated. “Because of the previous flooding in Ruidoso, we have the experience and were ready for this.”

57 guardsmen were on the scene for the rescue efforts, according to officials, and they would stay on duty to assist Roswell “as long as necessary.”

According to the National Weather Service office in Albuquerque, Roswell established an all-time daily rainfall record of 5.78 inches, breaking the previous record of 5.65 inches set back in November 1901. The unrelenting downpour also smashed records in the vicinity.

In the midst of the flooding, Chaves County Sheriff Mike Herrington posted on Facebook early on Sunday morning that he was stuck after water engulfed his car.

Several other cars are visible encircled by the flooding as water rushes past as Herrington rotates the camera.

Because of the extent of the floods, New Mexico State Police said on X, formerly Twitter, that all highways into and out of the Roswell area were closed.

Roads into Roswell are still closed, according to NMSP, which stated on Sunday afternoon that cars are free to leave the city but are not permitted to return.

Although the water level has since decreased, Roswell city officials said that it is still high throughout the Spring River channel in the downtown area and throughout the entire town.

Flood warnings are still in force in parts of eastern New Mexico, including Las Vegas and Roswell, even though the Flash Flood Emergencies have now ended.

According to the NWS, the Roswell area had received 4 to 9 inches of rain, flooding numerous areas.

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“This is an ongoing dangerous flooding situation,” the NWS stated.

On its 5-point severe thunderstorm risk scale, NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center (SPC) rated portions of the region as having a Level 2 out of 5 risk, with more thunderstorms expected to hit the area late Sunday.

Large hail, destructive wind gusts, and torrential rain are the biggest concerns, according to the SPC. Additionally, a few tornadoes could occur.

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With more than two years of expertise in news and analysis, Eileen Stewart is a seasoned reporter. Eileen is a respected voice in this field, well-known for her sharp reporting and insightful analysis. Her writing covers a wide range of subjects, from politics to culture and more.