Governor declares emergency in response to Roswell flooding

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Monday signed an emergency declaration for Chaves County that unlocks $1 million in state funding to bolster flooding relief efforts in and around Roswell. 

"First responders have rescued more than 300 people since the torrential flooding began in Chaves County on (Saturday)," according to a news release from the governor's office.

"My declaration of a state of emergency for Chaves County will help support local recovery efforts in the aftermath of historic and severe flooding ... I'm grateful for the swift actions taken by local authorities and our state departments to help communities in need. My administration is on the ground assisting and will continue to provide robust support for relief efforts," Lujan Grisham stated in the release.

Roswell broke a rainfall record set in 1901 and the city saw at least one death and dozens of injuries as a result of the storm.

New Mexico State Police closed all roads into the city due to flooding. The official rainfall total was 5.78 inches at Roswell Air Center. The old record was 5.65 inches set Nov. 1, 1901, the National Weather Service reported.

Officials said more than 35 people were hospitalized due to the storm.

Parts of the city reported nearly 8 inches of rain; the community of 48,000 people averages just 12 inches of rain per year.

The rain forced closure of the Roswell Air Center Sunday and Monday morning. Flooding and resulting debris also led to closures at the city's Recreation and Aquatic Center, Adult Center, Spring River Zoo, Public Library, Museum, Convention Center, Nancy Lopez Golf Course and South Park Cemetery, city officials said.

"There will be no residential trash pickup Monday. Monday's collection will move to Tuesday and Tuesday's collection will move to Wednesday. The Municipal Landfill will be closed Monday," the city posted on its Facebook page.

Chaves County Sheriff Mike Herrington was among those caught in the flood, forcing him to climb onto the roof of his car as it flooded.

"I came into this not expecting that much water, and before I know it, I was swept off into this," Herrington said in a Facebook video on Sunday. "Multiple vehicles have been swept away as well. So to all of you in Chaves County, please stay home. Do not get out."

The New Mexico National Guard was called in to help with rescues.

Water levels had receded Monday morning, but remained high "in the downtown area and throughout town along the Spring River channel, which overflowed," the city reported.

Most of eastern New Mexico saw heavy rainfall Saturday night and early Sunday morning.

Clovis reported 2-to-3 inches throughout the city, while Portales saw more than 4 inches in places.