Ruidoso Flash Flood Claims Three Lives, Including Two Children, as Recovery Efforts Intensify
Ruidoso Flash Flood Claims Three Lives, Including Two Children, as Recovery Efforts Intensify
A devastating flash flood that swept through the Village of Ruidoso, New Mexico, on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, has claimed the lives of three individuals, including two young children. Local authorities confirmed the fatalities of a man in his 40s or 50s, a 4-year-old girl, and a 7-year-old boy, all of whom were tragically swept downstream by the unprecedented floodwaters.
The catastrophic event, which Mayor Lynn Crawford described as “the biggest catastrophe of all are the lives that we lost,” saw the Rio Ruidoso swell to a record-breaking 20 feet, five feet higher than its previous peak. The area was deluged with up to 3.5 inches of rain in just 90 minutes, primarily impacting burn scar areas from last year’s South Fork and Salt fires, which significantly increased the flood’s intensity.
Emergency crews rapidly responded, rescuing over 65 individuals from perilous situations, including people found in trees, in the water, or trapped in their homes. Three people were transported to the hospital and are reported to be in stable condition. Preliminary assessments indicate that between 35 and 50 homes were either damaged or completely lost in the deluge.
Officials had issued multiple alerts, including a flash flood watch, warning, and emergency, noting the rapid onset of the flooding. The National Guard was also pre-positioned in the area. As of Thursday, July 10, 2025, a full damage assessment is underway and expected to take several days. A flood watch remained in effect for Wednesday afternoon, with continued concerns for additional rainfall and flash flooding.
Village officials are in close contact with state authorities and have already initiated a request for federal disaster assistance. The community is also urging anyone with information on missing persons to contact their hotline at 575-637-0328, as recovery efforts continue in the wake of this tragic natural disaster.
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