Flash Flooding Devastates New Mexico Mountain Village: 3 Residents Missing and Homes Lost

Santa Fe, New Mexico — AP

Recently, southern New Mexico faced intense flash flooding after heavy monsoon rains. In Ruidoso, a beloved summer retreat, at least three people are reported missing. The storm was so fierce that it swept away an entire house.

Emergency responders conducted around 85 swift water rescues in the Ruidoso area, helping people trapped in homes and cars, according to Danielle Silva from the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of deaths, but officials expect to assess the damage once the waters recede.

Mayor Lynn D. Crawford of Ruidoso commented that the town anticipated flooding but not at such a magnitude. He encouraged residents to reach out to emergency services if their friends or family are missing.

Just days before the New Mexico floods, Texas had its own disaster, with over 100 people dead due to similar flash floods. In Ruidoso, officials advised residents to seek higher ground as the Rio Ruidoso rose nearly 19 feet in a matter of minutes.

After recent wildfires stripped the area of vegetation, flood warnings were issued. Visual data showed the river overflowing, forcing road and bridge closures.

Kaitlyn Carpenter, a local artist, shared her experience riding through town on her motorcycle when the storm hit. She took shelter at Downshift Brewing, where about 50 other people also sought refuge. She filmed debris rushing by, including a house with a recognizable turquoise door — belonging to a friend’s family. Thankfully, they were safe.

Carpenter expressed her heartbreak seeing memories from her past floating by. There were also reports of dead horses near the town’s racetrack, underscoring the flooding’s severity.

The National Guard and local rescue teams were already present in the area when the flooding began, with more assistance on the way. This region has been particularly susceptible to floods since the devastating South Fork and Salt fires in 2024, which destroyed about 1,400 structures. Residents are now grappling with both the physical and emotional toll of these disasters.

Silva mentioned that current water levels seem higher than last year. Matt DeMaria, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, noted that heavy rains fell on already burnt land, leading to rapid runoff into the river.

Initial reports indicate the Rio Ruidoso may have reached a record height of over 20 feet before starting to recede. Three shelters were set up for displaced individuals in Ruidoso.

Carpenter recalled her art studio being lost in last year’s floods. Now, as the river rages, memories flood back, mingling with the smell of gasoline and the sound of trees crashing down. “It’s pretty terrifying,” she remarked.

Cory State, an employee at Downshift Brewing, remarked that the day’s events were especially devastating, particularly the sight of a floating house amidst the chaos.

For more on weather patterns and climate impacts, visit the National Weather Service.

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