Roswell NM suffers deadly flooding

Severe flooding in Roswell has left at least two people dead and led to the rescue of hundreds of stranded residents, according to the New Mexico State Police. The flooding, triggered by extreme overnight rainfall, swept away vehicles and left many motorists stranded across the region. Rescue operations are ongoing, with 290 people rescued so far, 38 of whom were transported to hospitals for treatment.
 

The New Mexico National Guard, alongside other emergency agencies, has been instrumental in the rescue efforts. “Crews are still out there and rescue efforts are still underway,” said Officer Amanda Richards of the State Police. The National Guard reported conducting at least one swiftwater rope rescue, a technique honed during previous flooding events in Ruidoso.

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood emergency for Roswell and neighboring areas as heavy rainfall rates reached between 1.5 and 2 inches per hour. The severe storm threat remains for parts of eastern New Mexico, with more rain, hail, and wind expected through Monday. Roswell saw 5.78 inches of rainfall on Saturday, breaking a record that had stood since 1901.

Floodwaters from the Spring River reached dangerous levels, submerging streets and homes in the Cahoon area. Vehicles were swept into the river, and some residents had to be rescued from the tops of their submerged cars. In a statement, the City of Roswell confirmed one fatality due to the flooding and urged residents to stay indoors: “Many motorists became stranded when their vehicles got stuck in flood waters on many streets.”