The New Mexico National Guard is conducting search and rescue operations in Roswell after record rainfall caused severe flooding.
New Mexico State Police said Sunday that at least two people were killed in the flash floods, but information about the victims or the circumstances of their deaths was not immediately released.
More than 300 people have been rescued since Saturday, security officials said, and 38 of them were taken to hospital for treatment of undisclosed injuries.
According to the National Weather Service, 5.78 inches of rain fell in the city of Roswell on Saturday, breaking the daily record of 5.65 inches, set in the southeastern New Mexico city on Nov. 1, 1901. Approximately 14.6 cm).
Water began flooding several homes and businesses on Saturday, and authorities said a car was washed away by the floodwaters and seven people were rescued.
Albuquerque television station KOAT reported that a Chavez County Sheriff’s truck was entangled with several vehicles that were stranded with water up to the windows and had to take shelter on the roof of a vehicle.
Roswell police said Sunday that rescue efforts were continuing in the city, and meteorologists said more rain and flash flooding was possible.
“We worked through the night and continue to work with rapid water rescue teams and other partners to safely evacuate our fellow soldiers,” New Mexico National Guard Lieutenant General Miguel Aguilar said in a statement.
Officials said 57 Guard members were on site and “will continue to assist Roswell for as long as necessary.”
They said the Guard had several tactical vehicles at the scene that can drive in 4 feet (1.2 meters) of water.
Researchers say the climate crisis caused by years of global warming – primarily caused by the burning of fossil fuels – is increasing the likelihood of extreme rains and catastrophic floods.
Roswell has been synonymous with alien and unidentified flying object (UFO) conspiracy theories since a military balloon crashed nearby in 1947.
Parent staff contributed reports
