Flash Flood Emergency Hits Ruidoso: Wildfire-Scarred New Mexico Town Faces Catastrophic Rainfall

In a tragic turn of events, the mountain town of Ruidoso, New Mexico, which was devastated by deadly wildfires in 2024, is now grappling with dangerous flash floods after torrential monsoon rains swept the region on Tuesday, July 9. Officials have declared a flash flood emergency and urged residents to seek higher ground immediately as reports of mudslides, gas leaks, and submerged bridges pour in.

A Double Disaster: From Fire to Flood

The South Fork Fire, which scorched over 17,000 acres last year, left behind burn scars that have now amplified the flood risk. Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford described the unfolding situation as “catastrophic,” noting more than two dozen swift-water rescues, submerged homes, and gas leaks across the town.

“We had bad floods last year, but this one is right there with it,” Crawford told local radio station KRUI. As of Tuesday night, three people were reported missing, and there have been sightings of homes being washed away, including viral footage of a house collapsing into the Rio Ruidoso.

A Monsoon Turns Menacing

The flooding was triggered by intense monsoon storms, a seasonal pattern running from late June to early September. While common in New Mexico, these storms become lethal when they pass over fire-damaged landscapes. The National Weather Service reported the river crested at a record-breaking 20 feet, up from a usually manageable trickle that Mayor Crawford claimed one could once jump across.

Community on Edge, Search and Rescue in Full Swing

Emergency services are in overdrive. Around 30 rescues have taken place, and while no deaths have been officially reported, several people have been hospitalized. Town officials are asking residents to stay indoors if safe or to report missing loved ones to the Emergency Operations Center.

A Town Tested, Again

Ruidoso’s population of 7,600 is no stranger to hardship. But back-to-back disasters—first flames, now floods—have tested the mountain town’s resilience. According to Associated Press reports, French and U.S. officials suspect broader environmental vulnerabilities, possibly exacerbated by climate change.

“This one hit us harder than we were expecting,” Crawford admitted.

As the community braces for more unpredictable weather, one thing is certain: Ruidoso’s road to recovery is far from over.