The mountain village of Ruidoso, New Mexico, is once again rebuilding after flash floods on Tuesday killed three people, including two children, and severely damaged dozens of homes.
Just a year earlier, the area was devastated by wildfires and previous flooding.
Floodwaters Sweep Away Lives and Homes
Triggered by intense monsoon rains, the floodwaters overwhelmed the Rio Ruidoso, carrying away homes and sweeping a man and two children from an RV park. Their bodies were later found downstream. The children’s parents, with ties to Fort Bliss, are recovering from injuries in Texas.
Community Devastated, But Resilient
Ruidoso native Tracy Haragan watched helplessly as the floodwaters carried away belongings from nearby homes. “Everything went down,” he said. Mayor Lynn Crawford described the heartbreak the village is feeling but emphasized the community’s strength.
Rebuilding Efforts Continue Amid Ongoing Risks
Barbara Arthur, owner of Riverside RV Park, lost both her home and her business in the flood. She said Tuesday’s disaster was the worst of six recent flooding events, worsened by the wildfire burn scar that couldn’t absorb the rainfall.
Record-Breaking Flood Levels
The National Weather Service confirmed that the Rio Ruidoso rose more than 20 feet, breaking the previous flood record by nearly five feet. Officials described the storm as a rare, 100-year event.
Swift Response and Federal Aid Sought
Emergency crews performed dozens of swift water rescues. New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham requested a presidential disaster declaration, estimating more than $50 million in emergency costs. The village also seeks $100 million in federal aid to reduce future flood risks.
Village Still Vulnerable as Monsoon Season Continues
The flood came as the town was still working to replace warning systems lost in last year’s wildfire. With the monsoon season running through September, officials warn that more flooding could occur.
Economic Impact Felt Across the Village
The floods have also disrupted the local tourism economy, forcing the cancellation of a major horse race at Ruidoso Downs. Mayor Crawford urged residents to remain vigilant, saying, “Mother Nature is a much bigger, powerful force than we are.”
For more on the New Mexico’s storm recovery, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.