1 dead, 290 people rescued after severe flooding in Roswell, Chaves County

ROSWELL, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico National Guard continued search and rescue operations Sunday in Roswell after record rains led to severe flooding in and around the city and Chaves County and at least one death.

Guard officials said 290 people had been rescued since Saturday and 38 of them had been hospitalized.

City officials said one person died, but no details were released.

The National Weather Service said 5.78 inches (about 14.7 centimeters) of rain fell in Roswell on Saturday, breaking the previous daily record of 5.65 inches (about 14.6 centimeters) set on November 1, 1901 for the town in southeastern New Mexico.

As several homes and businesses began to flood Saturday, authorities said seven people were rescued after a car was swept away by floodwaters.

Albuquerque television station KOAT reported that the county sheriff had to evacuate to the roof of his vehicle after his truck became among several vehicles stuck in water that came up to the windows.

Roswell police said relief operations were underway in the city Sunday, with meteorologists saying more rain and flash flooding were possible.

“We worked through the night and continue to work with swift water rescue teams and other partner agencies to help our citizens get to safety,” said Maj. Gen. Miguel Aguilar, adjutant general of the Guard National of New Mexico, in a press release.

Guard officials said they would “remain on duty to assist Roswell for as long as necessary” with 57 Guardsmen on the ground.

They said the Guard had several tactical vehicles on scene capable of driving in 4 feet of water.