Biden declares major disaster area in southeast New Mexico due to historic flooding

ROSWELL, N.M. (AP) — President Joe Biden has declared a awesome disaster area successful southeast New Mexico aft historical flooding killed 2 group and forced nan rescue of much than 300 past month.

The declaration announced Friday makes national backing disposable to residents successful Chaves County, wherever 5.78 inches (about 14.7 centimeters) of rainfall fell Oct. 19, breaking Roswell’s erstwhile regular precocious of 5.65 inches (about 14.6 centimeters) group connected Nov. 1, 1901.

Mayor Tim Jennings called it “a 500-year flood” and estimated nan harm astatine up to $500 million.

City officials said nan Roswell Museum sustained astatine slightest $12 cardinal successful h2o harm and pieces of artwork were being sent retired of authorities to beryllium repaired.

The Biden management said nan national assistance tin see grants for impermanent lodging and location repairs, low-cost loans to screen uninsured spot losses and different programs to thief individuals and business owners recover.