New Mexico asks feds for emergency declaration for Roswell flooding
Oct 29, 2024 | 11:57 am ET
Description
A six-foot high brick wall and wrought iron fencing remain in ruin around the Roswell Convention and Civic Center on Oct. 28, 2024, more than a week after deadly flooding driven by record rains flowed through downtown and the eastern portion of the city surrounding the Rio Hondo and Spring River. (Photo by Danielle Prokop / Source NM)
New Mexico state officials asked the federal government to declare a major disaster over this month’s flooding in Roswell and surrounding Chaves County, which could unlock money to aid in recovery.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham made the request to President Joe Biden on Monday night. Lujan Grisham called the Oct. 18 storm that killed two people, wrecked buildings and washed away cars “unprecedented.”
If the request is approved, the declaration would unlock money for governments and individuals from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration.
“The people of Chaves County need our support as they work to rebuild and recover,” said Lujan Grisham. “A federal disaster declaration will bring critical resources to the area, helping families and businesses get back on their feet as soon as possible.”
Local and federal officials are still tallying the damage in Roswell. The request is an indication that responding to the disaster will take more money and resources than the state can immediately provide, which is one factor the president considers in issuing a declaration.
Later on Monday night, New Mexico’s Congressional delegation asked Biden to immediately grant Lujan Grisham’s request.
“Due to the life and death nature of this crisis, we urge you to act without delay and approve the State of New Mexico’s request for a major disaster declaration,” the lawmakers wrote in a joint letter. “It is imperative that the federal government provides full support to New Mexican communities to respond and recover from the devastation caused by this flooding.”
Source New Mexico has asked for a copy of the request. Spokespeople for the governor’s office were not immediately available to comment Tuesday morning.
State emergency management officials reported more than 300 water rescues during the storm. In one instance, over 100 people sheltered on the rooftops of the Roswell Convention and Civic Center. The National Weather Service said the storm dumped almost 6 inches of rain, a record for a single weather event in Roswell.
This is a developing story and will be updated with more information.
Santa Fe, NM