3 dead after historic flash flood devastates Ruidoso, New Mexico
Catastrophic flooding sweeps through wildfire-damaged town, killing three, including two children, as rescue efforts continue
A sudden, record-breaking flash flood tore through the mountain town of Ruidoso, New Mexico, on Tuesday, killing three people, including a 4-year-old girl and a 7-year-old boy, who were swept away by rushing waters.
The small community of Ruidoso, nestled in the Sierra Blanca Mountains, is reeling after devastating floods triggered by intense monsoon rains overwhelmed the wildfire-scarred landscape, leading to tragedy and widespread damage.
The deadly flooding came swiftly Tuesday afternoon, following heavy rainstorms that turned the normally shallow Rio Ruidoso into a raging torrent. At its peak, the river surged to nearly 20 feet, five feet higher than any previously recorded flood.
Among those who lost their lives were a 4-year-old girl, a 7-year-old boy, and a man between the ages of 40 and 50, all swept away as the water overtook homes and streets without warning.
“Our entire village extends our deepest sympathy and compassion to these grieving families,” Mayor Lynn Crawford said in a statement. “We are united in sorrow, committed to supporting one another as we face this devastating loss.”
Floodwaters fueled by damaged terrain
The unprecedented flooding is partly attributed to the devastating effects of last summer’s wildfires, which destroyed homes and left the hillsides unable to absorb rain. This turned rainfall into fast-moving floodwaters that poured violently into residential areas, catching many by surprise.
The South Fork and Salt fires, which burned over 17,000 acres last year, had stripped the soil of its natural ability to retain water, intensifying the flood’s destructive force.
“This one hit us harder than we were expecting,” Mayor Crawford said, visibly shaken by the damage and loss of life.
Rescue operations continue
Emergency responders conducted at least 60 swift-water rescues in the immediate aftermath. Rescue crews continued their frantic search overnight, pulling survivors from homes and vehicles, some submerged up to their rooftops.
Multiple injuries were reported, and several horses also died. Videos shared online revealed houses being dragged downstream, crashing into trees, and neighborhoods covered in mudslides.
In a devastating moment for the community, local resident Tiffanie Wyatt confirmed that her niece and nephew—identified as 5-year-old Charlotte and 7-year-old Sebastian Trotter—did not survive. The children had last been seen at the Midtown RV Park before the waters swept them away.
State emergency declared, more flooding possible
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham swiftly signed an emergency declaration, mobilizing resources and aid for Ruidoso as the community braces for potential further flooding amid ongoing monsoon storms.
“Ruidoso endured devastating wildfires and flooding last summer, and now catastrophic flooding is hitting this community again,” Grisham said. “This crisis demands immediate action.”
Residents have been urged to remain in safe locations, and an emergency shelter is open for those displaced by the disaster.
“This town has been through hell,” said a volunteer at the shelter, exhaustion evident in his voice. “Somehow, we just keep getting hit.”
As rescue efforts continue and residents grieve their losses, the tragedy in Ruidoso serves as a painful reminder of nature’s unpredictable power—and the strength needed to rebuild once more.
