Devastating flash floods in Ruidoso, New Mexico: Community crisis after wildfire
Ruidoso, New Mexico (July 9, 2025): Even before the scars of last year’s devastating wildfires had healed, the town of Ruidoso, New Mexico, was hit by another natural disaster. On Tuesday, the town was devastated by severe flash flooding caused by heavy monsoon rains. Three people were reported missing and emergency services were conducting more than 85 high-risk rescue operations.
The Rio Ruidoso River rose nearly 20 feet in just 30 minutes, reaching historic highs, the National Weather Service (NWS) said, sweeping away homes and flooding roads. Videos circulating on social media showed a house being swept away by the powerful floodwaters, which pushed a tree into the ground and swept it away. The horrific scene underscored the enormity of the disaster.
Since the area was so badly burned by last year’s wildfires (the South Fork and Salt Fires), the soil in the area has lost its ability to absorb water. As a result, the rainwater quickly turned into a flood. Rudoshore Mayor Lynn Crawford called the situation "catastrophic" and said there were reports of landslides and gas leaks in affected homes. Several bridges were submerged, disrupting communications.
Rescue operations and damage
Emergency services are working tirelessly to free people from their homes and vehicles. While no deaths have been confirmed, three people are missing and three others are in stable condition in hospital. Authorities said the full extent of the damage will not be known until the floodwaters recede. Search and rescue operations are ongoing to find those missing.
One witness, Caitlin Carpenter, gave a heartbreaking account of seeing a friend's house washed away by the river. "I've been to that house many times, it's full of memories. It was very painful to see it go like that," she said.
Government Actions and Warnings
New Mexico Governor Michelle Luzon Grisham has declared a state of emergency and appealed to the federal government for assistance. "The resilient community of Rudoshore endured devastating wildfires and flooding last summer, and now faces another devastating flood. Immediate action is needed to address this crisis," she said in a statement.
The National Weather Service has declared a flash flood emergency, describing the situation as "dangerous," and urged residents to evacuate to higher ground immediately. Multiple shelters have been opened for those affected by the flooding.
The mountain town of about 7,600 is about 180 miles southeast of Albuquerque. Last year's wildfires killed two people and destroyed hundreds of homes. The new disaster poses a major challenge for Rudoshore residents, who are still recovering from that disaster.
