ROSWELL, N.M. — On Thursday, federal authorities conducted door-to-door visits in Roswell to evaluate the destruction caused by significant flooding that impacted the southeastern region of New Mexico over the past weekend.

National Guard personnel were involved in the rescue of over 300 individuals following a record rainfall of 5.78 inches (approximately 14.7 centimeters) on Saturday, surpassing Roswell’s previous daily rainfall record of 5.65 inches (about 14.6 centimeters) established back in November 1901.

Mayor Tim Jennings described the situation as reminiscent of a “500-year flood” and confirmed that the confirmed fatalities stood at two, although he refrained from disclosing details such as the names and ages of the deceased.

According to Jennings, one male victim drowned, and another victim, a female, suffered a fatal heart attack after being rescued from her vehicle. “We don’t have anybody still unaccounted for. At least, I hope not,” he added.

In response to the crisis, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency, which facilitated the allocation of $1 million in state assistance aimed at enhancing relief operations.

Mayor Jennings noted that representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) were on-site Thursday to evaluate the extent of the damage, which he projected could reach around $500 million.

“There are numerous damaged homes, and some might need to be demolished,” Jennings explained. “Additionally, we lost four substantial work trucks, with each valued at approximately $1 million.”

City officials reported that the Roswell Museum experienced damage valued at least $12 million due to flooding, and various artworks are being sent to different states for restoration.