New Mexico National Guard rescues over 300 people during historic flooding in Roswell

ROSWELL, NM (KFOX) — New Mexico officials confirmed the deaths of two people after record rainfall caused severe flooding over the weekend.

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

Roswell city officials said water levels have receded in many parts of the city but remain high in downtown. All roads leading in and out of the city were closed on Sunday, authorities said.

The National Weather Service in Albuquerque said 5.78 inches of rain fell in Roswell on Saturday, breaking the previous daily record of 5.65 inches set for the southeastern New Mexico city on Nov. 1, 1901.

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 ongoing on Sunday.

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.

Authorities set up a shelter at the Eastern New Mexico State Fairgrounds for Roswell residents displaced by flooding.

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,” said Maj. Gen. Miguel Aguilar, adjutant general of the New Mexico National Guard, in a statement.

Guard officials said they would remain on duty “as long as necessary to assist Roswell” as 57 guardsmen were on site.

They said the guard had several tactical vehicles at the scene that were capable of operating in 4 feet (1.2 meters) of water.

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