A devastating flash flood struck the Village of Ruidoso, New Mexico, on Tuesday, resulting in the tragic deaths of a man and two young children. Local officials confirmed that the victims were swept away by the record-breaking floodwaters that surged through the village, highlighting the dangers posed by extreme weather conditions.
The deceased included a man in his 40s or 50s, a 4-year-old girl, and a 7-year-old boy. Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford expressed the community's sorrow, stating, "Our hearts are broken for the families who have lost their loved ones in this terrible tragedy." The incident serves as a grim reminder of the impact of flash floods, particularly in areas prone to severe weather.
In the wake of the flooding, emergency crews worked tirelessly to rescue over 50 individuals from the rising waters. The quick response of local authorities was critical in preventing further loss of life amid the chaos. The Rio Ruidoso rose to an unprecedented height of 20 feet, exceeding the previous record by five feet, according to village officials.
The flash flooding was triggered by heavy monsoonal rains that fell over burn scar areas from last year’s South Fork and Salt fires. These conditions led to a rapid water rise throughout the village, creating a dangerous environment. The National Weather Service in Albuquerque reported that early data indicated the river crested at 20.24 feet on Tuesday afternoon, breaking the previous record of 15.86 feet set on July 20, 2024.
Rainfall measurements indicated that the highest recorded total was 3.29 inches on the southwest side of the South Fork burn scar. Generally, rainfall in the region ranged from 1.5 to 3.5 inches over the burn scar, with up to 1.5 inches reported in the village of Ruidoso. These intense rainfall totals contributed significantly to the rapid onset of flash flooding.
The threat of rain and flooding is still present in the area. A flood watch remains in effect for Ruidoso and Capitan, warning residents of potential rainfall rates of up to 1 inch per hour with isolated downpours. Another round of rain is expected in the evening, which could trigger further flash flooding similar to what occurred on Tuesday.
This recent flooding event follows multiple instances of flash flooding in the region since the South Fork Fire in June 2024, which burned over 17,000 acres. Ruidoso had already experienced significant flooding as recently as June 26, underscoring the ongoing vulnerability of the area to such weather events.
This is a developing story. For the latest updates and information regarding the impact of this tragic flash flood, please check back regularly.
