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2 dead, over 300 rescued as record rainfall floods Roswell

2 dead, over 300 rescued as record rainfall floods Roswell

Roswell city officials confirmed the deaths of two people after record rainfall led to severe flooding Saturday evening.

The New Mexico National Guard said 309 people were reduced, 38 of whom were taken to hospitals for treatment of unknown injuries.

Water levels due to flooding have receded in parts of the city, but remain high in downtown and near the Spring River Channel.

New Mexico State Police reported

Some motorists became stuck and had to wait on the roof of their vehicles to be rescued, the city of Roswell said.

The floodwaters also penetrated many houses and other buildings.

Search and rescue operations were still underway on Sunday morning.

According to the City of Roswell's Facebook, multiple agencies such as the New Mexico National Guard, New Mexico State Police, Chavez County Sheriff's Office and City of Roswell Police were involved in rescue operations.

Mesilla Valley Search and Rescue announced that its boat team has been deployed to Roswell to assist with rescue operations.

The City of Roswell also said the Roswell Air Center and flights for Sunday, Oct. 20, and Monday, Oct. 21, have been canceled due to the debris and flooding.

Several city facilities such as the Recreation and Aquatic Center, Adult Center, Spring River Zoo, Public Library, Museum, Convention Center, Nancy Lopez Golf Course and South Park Cemetery will remain closed until further notice, the city of Roswell said.

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Editor's note: The Associated Press contributed to this article.

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