At least two dead, hundreds rescued after severe flooding in New Mexico

Severe flooding in southeastern New Mexico has claimed two lives and prompted widespread evacuations as authorities worked to rescue hundreds of people trapped by rapidly rising floodwaters.

After record rainfall and severe flooding over the weekend, New Mexico National Guard officials said 309 people had been rescued since Saturday, 38 of whom were taken to hospitals for treatment of unknown injuries. Additionally, New Mexico State Police said two people died as a result of the flash flood, but information about the victims or the circumstances of their deaths remains unclear.

Roswell experienced unprecedented rainfall over the weekend. The National Weather Service in Albuquerque reported 5.78 inches of rain, surpassing the previous record of 5.65 inches set in 1901. The floods have devastated the area, inundating homes and businesses and leaving many people stranded as roads became impassable.

One of the victims of the disaster was Chaves County Sheriff Mike Herrington, who stood on the roof of his vehicle and was inundated by rising water, KOAT-TV, an ABC-affiliated Albuquerque show, reported.

The sheriff's escape was one of many daring rescues by first responders who were working non-stop as several homes and businesses began to flood Saturday evening. Local authorities said seven people were rescued after a car was swept away by floodwaters while other vehicles were swept into a river channel.

Newsweek emailed the New Mexico National Guard seeking comment on Monday.

The recent floods have mobilized significant resources, including the New Mexico National Guard. As water levels continued to rise, authorities set up an emergency shelter at the Eastern New Mexico State Fairgrounds for those displaced by the flooding.

Additionally, Guard officials said they will remain on duty “as long as necessary to assist Roswell” as there are 57 Guard members on scene, adding that the Guard had several tactical vehicles at the scene capable of to sail in 4 feet of water.

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

As rescue efforts continue, Roswell public information officer Todd Wildermuth told KOAT that road debris and the potential damage it could cause is another major concern.

“The main issue affecting the public on the roads at the moment is debris. They were swept around, from downed trees to overturned electrical dishes,” Wildermuth said.

Additionally, Cristina Arnold, a Roswell city councilwoman, said this damage could take months or even years to recover. However, she said the city has made preparations, taking note of recent work during this summer's major wildfires in the village of Ruidoso.

“We just did a lot of assistance with the Ruidoso fires, so we inherently have a good strategic plan, and I think those who are displaced or need assistance should actually be pretty safe because we're prepared for them. “ “Arnold told KOAT.

This article contains reporting from The Associated Press.