Floods trap 200 visitors at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico officials say

An estimated 200 people stranded at a Carlsbad Caverns National Park visitor center by flooding have been evacuated, New Mexico officials reported.

Visitors were ordered to shelter in place at the center Saturday, Aug. 20, after heavy rain flooded roads in and out of the park, the Eddy County Office of Emergency Management reported on Facebook.

Multiple people who attempted to drive on the roads got stuck and required rescue, officials said.

“We’ve been asking about food and water, since we have three small kids,” visitor Stephanie Saavedra told KOAT. “They don’t even know about food and water for us. We’re just walking around and waiting.”

After visitors waited several hours at the center, the order was lifted and about 200 people were evacuated late Saturday night, the Eddy County Office of Emergency Management said.

The park, including the caverns and visitor center, remained closed Sunday, Aug. 21, while crews survey road damage, the park said. It’s not clear when the park may reopen.

About half a million people visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park each year, according to the park service.

This story was originally published August 21, 2022 at 1:37 PM with the headline "Floods trap 200 visitors at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico officials say."