ROSWELL, N.M. (AP) — President Joe Biden has declared a major disaster area in southeastern New Mexico following historic flooding that killed two people and forced the rescue of more than 300 a month. past.
The declaration announced Friday makes federal funds available to residents of Chaves County, where about 14.7 centimeters (5.78 inches) of rain fell on Oct. 19, surpassing Roswell‘s previous daily high of about 14 .6 centimeters (5.65 in) established November 1, 1901.
Mayor Tim Jennings described it as “a flood not seen in 500 years” and estimated damage at up to $500 million.
City officials said the Roswell Museum suffered at least $12 million in water damage and art is being shipped out of state for repairs.
The Biden administration indicated that federal assistance may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners get back on their feet.
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This story was translated from English by an AP editor with the help of a generative artificial intelligence tool.
