Record-breaking flash flood kills two in New Mexico

A flash flood in Roswell, New Mexico , killed two people overnight Sunday and left hundreds more in need of rescue.

Roswell residents have suffered damage to their cars, homes, and roads in the area. This flood comes at a crucial time for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which has already reported it will run out of funds before the end of November.

The New Mexico National Guard reported 59 National Guard members rescued some 290 stranded residents as of Sunday. Another 38 sought medical treatment as a result of the natural disaster.

Chaves County Sheriff Charles Yslas warned residents to avoid driving on the roads submerged in water because "the asphalt has been eaten away.” Traffic will likely be hampered until these roads are paved over again.

Rain descended on Roswell beginning on Saturday and reached a level of 5.78 inches, the most since 1901, according to the National Weather Service. Additionally, the NWS issued a severe thunderstorm warning through Monday.

#Roswell has set a new all-time daily record rainfall of 5.78". This breaks the previous record of 5.65" from Nov. 1, 1901. Extreme flooding has been reported around Roswell. #nmwx pic.twitter.com/3HhyIAA28Q

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Earlier this summer, Roswell sheltered thousands of residents affected by a nearby wildfire. That fire went on to destroy homes and businesses in the Ruidoso, New Mexico, area.

This comes in the middle of hurricane season, which has ravaged the southeastern states. FEMA reported there were twice as many disasters in 2023 than in 2016.