Highlights
- One confirmed death due to severe flooding in Roswell, New Mexico.
- 5.78 inches of rain broke the city’s all-time daily rainfall record.
- Floodwaters have submerged homes, vehicles, and roads in Roswell.
- Rescue teams, including the National Guard, are actively working to save people.
- Emergency shelter set up at the Eastern New Mexico Fairgrounds for displaced residents.
ROSWELL, New Mexico – A powerful storm brought record rainfall to Roswell, causing extreme flooding throughout Chaves County.
Tragically, one person has been confirmed dead due to the floods, which overwhelmed the Spring River channel and downtown Roswell late Saturday night.
By Sunday morning, water levels remained dangerously high near downtown Roswell and along the river, forcing the city to encourage residents to stay home.
In response to the disaster, local officials set up an emergency shelter at the Eastern New Mexico Fairgrounds at 2500 SE Main St. for those who needed a safe place.
Rescue efforts are ongoing as floodwaters continue to affect the area. Many homes and buildings have been flooded, and several vehicles have become trapped in the water, some swept away by the current.
Rescuers are working around the clock to help those stranded, with teams from Roswell Police, Fire, Chaves County Sheriff’s Office, New Mexico State Police, and even the National Guard on the ground.
Flood Record Shattered
The rainstorm dropped 5.78 inches of rain on Roswell on October 19, 2024, breaking the city’s all-time daily rainfall record.
The previous record of 5.65 inches was set in 1901. The National Weather Service has warned that more flash flooding is possible in the coming days as the storm system lingers over the region.
The floods have caused widespread damage, including roads being closed in and out of Roswell. Authorities continue to monitor water levels and provide emergency services to those in need.
