Heavy rainfall turned into catastrophic flash floods in Ruidoso, New Mexico, claiming the lives of at least three individuals, including two children. Rainfall reached historic levels, measuring up to 8.8 cm (3.5 in), which caused the Ruidoso River to overflow its banks. As floodwaters have now receded, local officials confirmed the tragic fatalities, urging residents to seek safety on higher ground.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with local emergency crews performing over 50 swift water rescues amid the turmoil. Ruidoso's spokesperson, Kerry Gladden, stated that a hotline has been established for families searching for missing loved ones. Reports indicate that three individuals have received treatment for injuries at local hospitals following the disaster.
Social media footage captured by local artist Kaitlyn Carpenter illustrated the ferocity of the flooding, showing at least one home being swept away by the torrents. Mayor Lynn Crawford described the situation on local radio, stating, “It got ugly really quick,” while the town assesses full damages and losses.
The National Weather Service (NWS) had previously issued warnings regarding high risks for flash flooding around Ruidoso due to “burn scars” from last year’s wildfires. The aftermath of the June 2024 wildfires, which devastated approximately 10,000 hectares (25,000 acres) of land around the village, has left the soil water-repellent, greatly increasing flood risks for up to two years.
This tragic flooding in New Mexico comes shortly after Texas faced its own devastating flash floods, where the death toll currently stands at 109, with many others still unaccounted for, highlighting the growing severity of extreme weather events across the southern United States.
