Roswell floods claim 2 lives after record rainfalls, New Mexico
Flash floods struck Roswell, New Mexico on Saturday, October 19, 2024, claiming two lives, after approximately 147 mm (5.78 inches) of rain fell over the region setting a new record for the region. Flights were canceled at the Roswell Air Center and the New Mexico National Guard reported conducting nearly 300 rescues.
At least two people have been reported dead, 38 injured, and nearly 300 have been rescued from the floods that struck Roswell (population 46 500) on Saturday night. Information on the victims or the circumstances of their deaths was not clear at the time of press.
The Spring River Channel overflowed after record rainfall, leading to extreme flooding in downtown Roswell.
Approximately 147 mm (5.78 inches) of rain fell over the region on Saturday alone, setting a new all-time daily record for the region, surpassing the previous record of 143.5 mm (5.65 inches) set on November 1, 1901. Several homes were inundated and streets were submerged by the flood waters.
The New Mexico National Guard reported 290 rescues, 38 of whom were sent to local hospitals afterward. They deployed 57 personnel in the Roswell area to conduct search and rescue operations, which will continue as long as necessary. The Guard’s Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT, performed at least one swift water rope save overnight on Sunday.
Additionally, five Light/Medium Tactical Vehicles were deployed to transport people to safety.
“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.”
Flights were canceled through Monday morning, October 21, at the Roswell Air Center. Authorities said that an assessment will be conducted before determining whether flights can resume on Monday morning.
According to Carter Greulich, a meteorologist at NWS Albuquerque, the rainfall that began on Friday, October 18, is expected to continue through Sunday. Several roads have been closed due to the floods.
1 2 dead after ‘historic’ deluge in New Mexico floods streets, homes – USA Today – October 20, 2024
2 Roswell flooding turns deadly as record-rainfall soaks New Mexico town –Aol– October 21, 2024
Featured image: NBC (stillshot)
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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