A powerful flash flood tore through the mountain resort village of Ruidoso, New Mexico, on July 8, 2025, leaving three people dead and dozens in need of rescue. Torrential rains from a sudden monsoon storm caused the Rio Ruidoso to rise rapidly, overwhelming the area with swift, debris-filled water.
Officials confirmed the deaths of a man in his 40s or 50s, a 4-year-old girl, and a 7-year-old boy. The children were believed to be camping in the area with their family when the floodwaters rushed in. The man was found near an RV park, where his vehicle was swept away.
First responders and emergency crews conducted more than 80 swift-water rescues, pulling residents from flooded homes, stranded cars, and rising waters. Three people were injured and taken to nearby hospitals, where they were reported to be in stable condition.
The flooding was intensified by the burn scars left behind by recent wildfires, which stripped the hillsides of vegetation and made the soil unable to absorb rainfall. As a result, over three inches of rain in less than two hours poured straight into the river systems, fueling the deadly flood.
Homes, roads, and bridges across the village were severely damaged. Vehicles were overturned or buried in mud, and many streets were rendered impassable. At least 35 homes were confirmed damaged, with some reports suggesting the number could be as high as 200.
In response to the disaster, local authorities opened emergency shelters, and the state government issued an emergency declaration. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham expressed her condolences to the victims’ families and pledged immediate assistance to affected communities.
Mayor Lynn Crawford urged residents to remain vigilant and to report any missing individuals as search and recovery operations continued. Emergency crews worked around the clock to clear debris and restore basic services.
The flood in Ruidoso comes just days after another deadly flood event in central Texas. Experts warn that extreme weather events, including flash floods over wildfire-burned terrain, are becoming more frequent and dangerous as climate patterns continue to shift.
As recovery efforts begin, the close-knit community of Ruidoso is grieving the loss while coming together to support one another in the aftermath of this tragic disaster.
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