Floodwaters in Roswell submerged cars and flooded out vehicles around town on Oct. 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 floods Oct. 19 and 20 in Roswell and elsewhere in Chaves County caused widespread devastation. Floodwaters stranded hundreds of people, sent cars floating down city streets and caused the deaths of at least two people.
President Joe Biden on Nov. 1 issued a presidential disaster declaration, which authorized FEMA to arrive and provide disaster aid. The application period for FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program ends Thursday.
So far, the agency has approved more than $16 million in disaster assistance payments to 1,885 households, including about $8.3 million for housing-related assistance. The average payment is about $8,900 per household.
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The Individual Assistance program is geared primarily to provide needed help to those who don’t have insurance or who are under-insured. The typical maximum allowed is about $40,000.
The program helps “with basic, critical needs such as a safe, sanitary, and functional place to live while Chaves’ residents look for a long-term or permanent housing solution,” FEMA spokesperson Maria Padron said in a news release about the deadline. “It is not designed to make residents whole and is not a substitute for insurance coverage. FEMA assistance cannot duplicate other sources of assistance.”
People can apply in person at the Disaster Recovery Center located in the Roswell Mall, or they can apply on the phone or online.
According to FEMA, applicants need the following information to successfully received disaster assistance:
- A current phone number
- Your address at the time of the disaster and where you’re staying now.
- Your Social Security Number.
- A general list of damage and losses.
- Banking information for direct deposit checks.
- For those with insurance, the policy number, the agent or the company name.
FEMA notes that it can help victims find other ways to verify this information if they’re unable to find the necessary documentation.