ROSWELL, N.M. — The New Mexico National Guard has been actively engaged in search and rescue efforts on Sunday in Roswell, following unprecedented rainfall that led to critical flooding in the area, resulting in at least one confirmed fatality.

According to officials from the Guard, 290 individuals were rescued since Saturday, with 38 of them needing hospital treatment.

Local officials have confirmed a single death, although specific details regarding the incident have not been disclosed.

The National Weather Service reported that a staggering 5.78 inches (approximately 14.7 centimeters) of rain fell in Roswell on Saturday, surpassing the previous daily record of 5.65 inches (about 14.6 centimeters) set on November 1, 1901, for this southeastern New Mexico city.

As floodwaters began to affect numerous homes and businesses, authorities conducted seven rescues of individuals after a vehicle was swept away by the rising waters.

A report from KOAT, an Albuquerque TV station, noted that the county sheriff had to evacuate to the roof of his truck after it became stranded due to the rapidly rising water levels.

Ongoing rescue operations continued on Sunday in Roswell, with meteorologists warning residents of the potential for additional rain and flash flooding in the coming hours.

“We’ve worked all night and continue to work with swift water rescue teams and other partner agencies to help our fellow citizens get to safety,” said Maj. Gen. Miguel Aguilar, the adjutant general of the New Mexico National Guard.

Officials of the Guard have stated their commitment to remaining on duty to assist the Roswell community as long as necessary, with 57 guardsmen currently deployed on the ground.

They also mentioned that several tactical vehicles capable of maneuvering through four feet (1.2 meters) of water are stationed at the scene to aid in the operations.