The village of Ruidoso, New Mexico, is mourning the loss of at least three lives due to flash flooding caused by heavy rainfall, which resulted in up to 8.8cm (3.5 inches) of precipitation. The Ruidoso River swelled to historic levels, prompting emergency responses as floodwaters began to recede. A man and two children were confirmed dead after being swept downstream, as local officials confirmed on Tuesday evening.
Kerry Gladden, a spokesperson for the village, emphasized that search and rescue crews remain active in the field, and a hotline has been established to assist in locating missing family members. In total, emergency teams conducted over 50 swift water rescues, urging residents to seek higher ground. Reports indicate that three individuals received treatment for injuries at the local hospital.
Local artist Kaitlyn Carpenter captured footage showing a house being swept away by the surge, while Mayor Lynn Crawford reported ongoing uncertainty about the total number of homes affected. He told a local radio station, "It got ugly really quick." The full scope of damage in Ruidoso is still being evaluated.
The National Weather Service warned that two nearby 'burn scars' from past wildfires significantly increased the risk of flash floods due to water-repellent soil conditions. In June 2024, Southern New Mexico faced severe wildfires, resulting in the evacuation of Ruidoso, with two fatalities and hundreds of homes lost. Following those fires, experts indicated a heightened risk of flash flooding for an extended period, further complicating the region's resiliency to severe weather events.
This news comes just hours after Texas Governor Greg Abbott reported on the aftermath of devastating flash floods in Southern Texas, where the death toll reaches 109, with over 160 individuals still unaccounted for.
Kerry Gladden, a spokesperson for the village, emphasized that search and rescue crews remain active in the field, and a hotline has been established to assist in locating missing family members. In total, emergency teams conducted over 50 swift water rescues, urging residents to seek higher ground. Reports indicate that three individuals received treatment for injuries at the local hospital.
Local artist Kaitlyn Carpenter captured footage showing a house being swept away by the surge, while Mayor Lynn Crawford reported ongoing uncertainty about the total number of homes affected. He told a local radio station, "It got ugly really quick." The full scope of damage in Ruidoso is still being evaluated.
The National Weather Service warned that two nearby 'burn scars' from past wildfires significantly increased the risk of flash floods due to water-repellent soil conditions. In June 2024, Southern New Mexico faced severe wildfires, resulting in the evacuation of Ruidoso, with two fatalities and hundreds of homes lost. Following those fires, experts indicated a heightened risk of flash flooding for an extended period, further complicating the region's resiliency to severe weather events.
This news comes just hours after Texas Governor Greg Abbott reported on the aftermath of devastating flash floods in Southern Texas, where the death toll reaches 109, with over 160 individuals still unaccounted for.
