CARLSBAD, N.M. - Some southern New Mexico sheriff's, police and fire departments aren't able to receive 911 calls.

The problem affects 911 services in Eddy, Chaves and Lea counties.

Officials in those counties are advising people to call main numbers for police, fire or sheriff's offices.

The Eddy County Central Communications Authority says the problem stems from damage to a cable somewhere between Artesia and Albuquerque.

The communications authority says it's not known when that will be fixed.

Eddy County officials say people who call 911 in that county automatically will be transferred to the Carlsbad Police Department, which will take down the information and send it to the communications center for dispatch.

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