President Joe Biden has declared a major disaster area in southeastern New Mexico after historic flooding killed two people and forced more than 300 rescues last month.
The announcement made Friday makes federal funding available to residents of Chaves County, which received 5.78 inches (about 14.7 centimeters) of rain on Oct. 19, breaking Roswell’s daily high of 5.65 inches (about 14.6 centimeters) set on Nov. 1, 1901.
Mayor Tim Jennings called it a “500-year flood” and estimated the damage at $500 million. City officials said the Roswell Museum sustained at least $12 million in water damage and pieces of artwork were being shipped out of state for restoration.
The Biden administration said government aid could include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help people and business owners recover.