A quiet mountain village already reeling from last year’s devastating wildfires is now facing another heartbreaking tragedy. Flash floods ripped through Ruidoso on Tuesday, July 8, claiming at least three lives and leaving several people missing, injured, or displaced.
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Local authorities confirmed the deaths of a 4-year-old girl, a 7-year-old boy, and a man believed to be between 40 and 50 years old. All three were swept away by the powerful floodwaters that surged through the area after intense monsoon rains pounded the region. At the time of reporting, it remains unclear whether the victims were related or how exactly they were caught in the deluge.
As of Wednesday morning, officials said four people are still unaccounted for. Emergency teams have been tirelessly conducting search-and-rescue missions, with at least 65 people already rescued from rapidly rising waters on Tuesday alone. Three others were hospitalized and are currently in stable condition, while 20 residents remain displaced.
The floodwaters, which caused the Rio Ruidoso to swell to a record 20.24 feet—over five feet higher than the previous record—destroyed homes, bridges, and roads. In dramatic videos circulating on social media, fast-moving waters are seen tearing through streets and sweeping entire homes into trees downstream.
“This is a tragic moment for our village,” said Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford in an emotional statement. “We extend our deepest sympathies to the families affected. Our hearts are broken, but we are united in grief and resilience.”
Crawford, speaking on a local radio station, detailed further devastation: mudslides, gas leaks, and homes either damaged or completely washed away. He noted that some bridges were completely submerged and described Tuesday’s flood as one of the worst natural disasters the community has ever experienced.
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Cause of the Flash Floods
The floods were triggered by heavy monsoon rains that fell on burn scars left by the South Fork and Salt Fires of 2024. These scars have made the soil hydrophobic—unable to absorb water—which significantly worsens flooding. The South Fork Fire alone scorched over 17,000 acres, and last year’s flooding already tested the community’s endurance.
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has since signed an emergency declaration, requesting urgent federal assistance. “Ruidoso has already endured more than most. From wildfires to flash floods, this resilient town needs our immediate help,” she said in a statement Tuesday night.
Ruidoso, with a population of around 7,600, is nestled in the Sierra Blanca mountains and is known for its scenic beauty. But the very geography that draws visitors also makes it prone to flash flooding, especially when post-wildfire conditions create unstable ground.
In a Facebook post, the village authorities urged residents and visitors who can’t contact loved ones to report them to the local emergency operations center. As recovery begins, residents now face the added challenge of a brutal heatwave, with temperatures expected to soar past 100°F this week.
