New Mexico flooding: Home swept downriver as severe flash floods devastate Ruidoso

A town in New Mexico that was devastated by wildfires last year is now facing another crisis: dangerous flash flooding.

Heavy rainfall on Tuesday triggered severe floods in the village of Ruidoso, where charred hillsides left from 2024’s South Fork Fire created the perfect storm for mudslides and debris flows.

Speaking on the local radio on Tuesday night, Mayor Lynn Crawford said floodwaters had inundated multiple bridges, washed away homes, and caused gas leaks and landslides across the town.

Emergency crews carried out more than two dozen swift water rescues, and three residents were reported missing.

“If you’re at home, stay at home,” Mr Crawford urged.

“If you’re high and dry, that’s a good deal right now.”

So far, no injuries or deaths have been confirmed.

The National Weather Service issued a rare flash flood emergency for the area after an inch of rain fell on wildfire burn scars, warning that the Rio Ruidoso River had reached a record crest of 6 meters.

News outlets have posted urgent messages on social media, with one outlet posting: “A DANGEROUS situation is unfolding in RUIDOSO! Seek HIGHER GROUND NOW! Do NOT attempt to drive through the floodwaters.”

Dramatic footage shared online and verified by NBC News showed floodwaters swallowing local roads and sweeping homes into trees as it was carried down the river.

Town officials warned residents of severe flash flooding in streams and ditches affected by the 2024 South Fork Fire, which ignited on June 17 and scorched over 17,000 acres, destroying hundreds of homes and killing two people.

Meanwhile, more than 160 people remain unaccounted for after devastating floods in Texas, the State Governor said Tuesday, marking a dramatic increase in the number of missing from a tragedy that has so far claimed 109 lives.

Torrents of water swept through the camp, scouring cabins as hundreds of people slept.

Five campers and one counsellor were still missing as of Tuesday evening, according to Governor Greg Abbot, as well as another child not associated with the camp.

“There’s nothing more important in our hearts and minds than the people of this community, especially those who are still lost,” Mr Abbot said.

Elsewhere in the state, there have been at least 15 fatalities recorded so far, the governor added.

The village of Ruidoso, home to around 7600 people, sits in the Sierra Blanca mountain range, approximately 289 kilometres southeast of Albuquerque.

Residents unable to reach loved ones were urged to contact the village’s emergency operation centre, as rescue efforts and damage assessments continue.

A flash flood warning remained in place through Tuesday night.