Heavy Rains Trigger Flash Floods In Ruidoso, New Mexico; 85 Rescued. No Casualties Reported

Flash floods have seriously devastated the mountain village of Ruidoso in New Mexico, with homes being swept away on Tuesday afternoon. It all happened after heavy rains caused a river to overflow. Rescue teams have been deployed to help the stranded residents. Read on to know more about this.

Flash Floods Sweep Away Homes In New Mexico

Another 30 minutes later and it’s hard to tell where the riverbed is. The river is now in major flood stage at over 15 feet. Stay away from the river! Seek higher ground NOW! #nmwx pic.twitter.com/gd3ecndelG

— NWS Albuquerque (@NWSAlbuquerque) July 8, 2025

Ruidoso, a mountain village in New Mexico, USA, is now severely damaged after a flash flood swept through on Tuesday afternoon. Multiple homes were washed away by the strong force of the water, leaving many residents stranded in their cars, as per a report in Hindustan Times. Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico also warned people to evacuate to higher ground for safety.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Albuquerque took to their official X account to share that the situation is becoming more dangerous. They also issued a flash flood emergency alert, advising people to avoid driving through floodwaters as the strong current could carry away vehicles. The Rio Ruidoso river, which runs through the village, rose about 20 feet in just 30 minutes after heavy rainfall, which triggered sudden flash floods. 

Also Read: Flash Floods In Texas, US, Claim 50 Lives; Search Operations Underway

Emergency Rescue Teams Deployed

As per TOI, emergency crews were deployed and carried out at least 85 swift-water rescues in the area, helping people escape vulnerable homes and cars. Danielle Silva of the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management confirmed that two National Guard rescue teams and several local teams were present in the area when the flooding began. More guards are now on the way. Officials reported no immediate casualties but said they would assess the full damage once the floodwaters completely go down. 

It should also be noted that the area has remained at high risk for flooding since the summer of 2024. That’s when the South Fork and Salt fires burned the forest and destroyed around 1,400 homes and establishments.

Also Read: Himachal Pradesh: Cloudbursts Trigger Flash Floods In Kangra, Kullu; 2 Dead; Several Swept Away

It is saddening that the people of Ruidoso battled wildfires just last year. Now, they are facing devastating flash floods. We hope the situation gets under control soon.

Cover Image Courtesy: @SeveloToma49130/ X