Alamogordo NM
7-09-2025 2:55am

Three Dead, State of Emergency Declared for Ruidoso July 8, 2025

Three Dead, State of Emergency Declared for Ruidoso July 8, 2025 aP

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham New has declared a state of emergency as severe flooding swept across parts of the state, forcing evacuations, closing roads, and threatening homes and businesses on July 8, 2025. Especially hard hit yet again is the village of Ruidoso, New Mexico still recovering from last year's forest fires and severe flooding. 

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a flash flood emergency for Ruidoso on Tuesday, warning of rapidly deteriorating conditions and rising river levels that threatened homes and businesses.

Speaking on local radio Tuesday night, Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford said there were reports of mudslides and gas leaks at homes that had been washed away or severely damaged. "They're in the process of looking," Crawford said, referring to three people reported missing. He described the situation as "catastrophic" for the small mountain community, adding that multiple bridges had been underwater and there had been more than two dozen swift-water rescues.

According to the Associated Press (AP), citing Danielle Silva of the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, more than 80 swift-water rescues were carried out near Ruidoso. The rescues included people who were trapped in their cars and homes as the floodwaters rose.

The Governor had previously on June 26th declared via an executive order Lincoln County a disaster area opening it up to additional state and federal assistance
https://www.governor.state.nm.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Executive-O…

At least three people are dead in the village of Ruidoso, New Mexico after heavy rain caused flash flooding.

Up to 8.8cm (3.5in) of rain fell, causing the Ruidoso river to rise to an historic level. The floodwaters have now receded.

A man and two children died after being swept downstream, local officials confirmed on Tuesday evening.

Village of Ruidoso spokesperson Kerry Gladden told CBS search and rescue crews were still out in the field, and a hotline has been set up for people looking for missing family members.

The NWS had warned that two 'burn scars' around Ruidoso were high risk for flash-flooding, as the charred soil left behind by last year's wildfires would be "as water-repellent as a pavement".

Southern New Mexico was hit by wildfires in June 2024. Ruidoso was evacuated as two fires burned approximately 10,000 hectares (25,000 acres) of land on either side of the village.

Three people were killed and hundreds of homes were destroyed.

In a statement released Tuesday night, Village of Ruidoso public information officer Kerry Gladden confirmed the deaths. The names of the victims have not been released, but the statement said the fatalities include:

- A 40 to 50-year-old male

- A 4-year-old female

- A 7-year-old-male

According to the statement, all three victims got caught up in rushing floodwaters and carried downstream. The Rio Ruidoso rose to a record-breaking 20 feet and emergency crews conducted at least 50 swift-water rescues during the flooding event.

"Our hearts are broken for the families who have lost their loved ones in this terrible tragedy," said Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford. "We are united in our sorrow and our commitment to supporting one another as we face this devastating loss together."

Widespread flash flooding has been reported. The excessive rainfall is expected to impact these areas: Upper Canyon, Brady Canyon, Perk Canyon, Cedar Creek, Eagle Creek, And the Rio Ruidoso drainages.

An investigation is underway, as the Village of Ruidoso is working with the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator, Lincoln County Sheriff's Office and other agencies.

The Ruidoso Community Center, located at 501 Sudderth Drive, is open and available to anyone needing temporary refuge. Counseling services are available through the New Mexico Crisis and Access Line at (855) 662-7474.

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7-10-2025 9:14am

a useful thought from reports regarding the texas hill country's devastating floods;

"Floodplain maps are based on historical data. They don't reflect the current - or future - risk. It's backward-looking in a forward-moving crisis."
— Robert Mace, a hydrologist and executive director of the Meadows Center at Texas State University, on the dangers of flooding in the Hill Country.

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