Flash Floods Kill Three In Ruidoso, New Mexico/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Flash floods fueled by monsoon rains swept through Ruidoso, New Mexico, killing three people and washing away entire structures. Emergency crews performed dozens of rescues amid rising waters worsened by past wildfire damage. Officials warn the region remains highly vulnerable to severe flooding.
Ruidoso Flash Flood Quick Looks
- Three dead after flash flooding in Ruidoso, NM
- Entire house swept away by raging waters
- At least 85 swift water rescues conducted
- Floodwaters surged nearly 20 feet in minutes
- Wildfire burn scars contributed to flood intensity
- Residents urged to seek higher ground quickly
- Floodwaters left cars stranded in mud and debris
- Community shelters opened for displaced residents
Deep Look
Three Killed As Flash Flooding Devastates Mountain Village Of Ruidoso, New Mexico
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Monsoon rains unleashed deadly flash flooding Tuesday in the mountain village of Ruidoso, New Mexico, sweeping away homes and leaving three people dead, officials confirmed.
A man, a 4-year-old girl, and a 7-year-old boy were carried off by powerful floodwaters in the popular summer retreat town, according to a statement released by Ruidoso officials.
“Our hearts are broken for the families who have lost their loved ones in this terrible tragedy,” said Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford. “We are united in our sorrow and our commitment to supporting one another as we face this devastating loss together.”
Intense Rain Triggers Rapid Rise Of Rio Ruidoso
The flood struck swiftly, with the Rio Ruidoso surging nearly 19 feet in minutes amid torrential rains. Emergency responders conducted at least 85 swift water rescues, pulling people from homes, cars, and rising waters.
Video footage captured a house floating downstream, underscoring the flood’s fury. Artist Kaitlyn Carpenter, who filmed the dramatic scene, was stunned to recognize the turquoise door of her best friend’s family home. Thankfully, her friend’s family was not inside and remained safe.
“I’ve been in that house and have memories there, so seeing it come down the river was pretty heartbreaking,” Carpenter said. “I just couldn’t believe it.”
Previous Wildfires Worsened Flooding Risk
Officials pointed to the aftermath of last summer’s South Fork and Salt wildfires as a major contributor to the flooding. The scorched landscape left behind hydrophobic soil, unable to absorb heavy rains. Water instead raced over burn scars, funneling debris and mud into the river system.
“We know that the water levels seemed to be higher than they were last summer,” said Danielle Silva of the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. “It is a significant amount of water flowing throughout, some of it in new areas that didn’t flood last year.”
Meteorologist Matt DeMaria of the National Weather Service in Albuquerque confirmed that storms built rapidly over fire-scorched terrain, fueling runoff that drove the Rio Ruidoso above 20 feet—a potential record crest if verified.
Rescue Efforts And Community Response
As the water receded Tuesday night, emergency crews continued searching for possible missing persons while clearing debris from roadways. Cars were left stranded in thick mud, and loud crashes echoed through the village as the floodwaters toppled trees.
Three shelters were opened for displaced residents, offering refuge for those unable to return home.
Cory State, an employee at Downshift Brewing Company, took in dozens of people seeking shelter as hail pelted windows and floodwaters surged outside. Watching a house float by was “just one of the many devastating things about today,” he said.
Carpenter, who lost her art studio to flooding last year, described the experience as deeply unsettling.
“The air smelled like gasoline, and you could hear trees cracking as they were torn down by the river,” she said. “It’s pretty terrifying.”
Ongoing Risks And Vigilance
Mayor Crawford acknowledged during a radio address that Ruidoso had anticipated flooding but the extent of this disaster exceeded forecasts. He urged residents to report missing loved ones and highlighted reports of dead horses near the town’s racetrack, adding another layer of devastation to the crisis.
The tragedy in Ruidoso follows just days after deadly floods in Texas claimed over 100 lives, highlighting how flash floods remain the leading cause of storm-related deaths in the United States.
As communities across the Southwest brace for more monsoon storms, officials caution that areas recovering from wildfires remain highly vulnerable to sudden, deadly flooding.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.