ROSWELL, N.M.—President Joe Biden has authorized a declaration of a major disaster area in southeast New Mexico following devastating flooding that claimed the lives of two individuals and necessitated the rescue of over 300 people last month.
The declaration, announced on Friday, will provide federal funding assistance to residents in Chaves County, where a record-breaking 5.78 inches of rain fell on Oct. 19, surpassing Roswell’s previous daily high of 5.65 inches set in 1901.
Mayor Tim Jennings described the event as a “500-year flood” and estimated the total damage to be as high as $500 million.
City officials reported that the Roswell Museum suffered at least $12 million in water damage, with valuable artworks being sent out of state for restoration.
The Biden administration stated that the federal aid package may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and various programs to support individuals and businesses in their recovery efforts.
