Flooding in Roswell left cars submerged and vehicles in the city submerged on October 19, 2024. (Courtesy of Zachary Lujan)
Victims of the Roswell flood that occurred in October have until 11:59 p.m. Thursday to seek disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The Oct. 19 and 20 floods in Roswell and elsewhere in Chaves County caused widespread destruction. Floods stranded hundreds of people, sent cars floating through city streets and caused the deaths of at least two people.
President Joe Biden issued a presidential disaster declaration on Nov. 1, which authorized FEMA to arrive and provide disaster assistance. The application period for FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program ends Thursday.
To date, the agency has approved more than $16 million in disaster benefits to 1,885 households, including approximately $8.3 million for housing-related assistance. The average payment is about $8,900 per household.
The Individual Assistance Program is primarily intended to provide needed assistance to people who are uninsured or underinsured. The typical maximum amount allowed is approximately $40,000.
The program will help “with essential basic needs such as a safe, sanitary and functional place to live as Chaves residents seek a long-term or permanent housing solution,” FEMA spokesperson Maria Padron said in a news release about the deadline. “It is not intended to make residents healthy and is not a substitute for insurance coverage. FEMA assistance cannot duplicate other resources.”
People can register in person at the Disaster Recovery Center at the Roswell Mall, or they can register by phone online.
According to FEMA, applicants need the following information to successfully receive disaster assistance:
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Your address at the time of the disaster and where you are staying now.
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Your citizen service number.
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A general list of damages and losses.
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Bank information for direct deposit checks.
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For insured persons: the policy number, agent or company name.
FEMA notes that it can help victims find other ways to verify this information if they cannot find the necessary documentation.
