by A powerful flash flood in the mountainous region of southern New Mexico tore through the village of Ruidoso on Tuesday, sweeping away at least one home as rising river waters surged past historic levels. Videos widely shared on social media show the moment a house was ripped from its foundation and carried away in the torrent, underscoring the speed and violence of the floodwaters.
The National Weather Service (NWS) declared a flash flood emergency for Ruidoso, warning residents to seek higher ground immediately. “A DANGEROUS situation is unfolding in RUIDOSO! A FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY remains in effect!” NWS Albuquerque posted on X (formerly Twitter) Tuesday evening. Meteorologists confirmed the Rio Ruidoso reached a provisional crest of 20.24 feet, surpassing last year’s peak of 15.86 feet and potentially setting a new record.
This disaster is the latest in a series of extreme weather events battering the American Southwest this summer. Just days ago, catastrophic floods in Texas left at least 161 people missing, with growing scrutiny over preparedness and state response.
In Ruidoso, emergency crews conducted over 80 swift water rescues, including individuals trapped in vehicles and homes, according to Danielle Silva of the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. At least three shelters have been opened to assist displaced residents.
The terrain’s vulnerability — scorched by past wildfires — made the region particularly prone to sudden and severe runoff, amplifying the flood’s destructive power.
NWS Public Affairs Specialist Erica Grow Cei confirmed to Newsweek that a Flood Watch had been issued early Tuesday morning, followed by a Flash Flood Warning for the South Fork burn scar area in Lincoln County by early afternoon. That warning included the “considerable” flooding tag, automatically triggering Wireless Emergency Alerts.
As of late Tuesday, there were no confirmed fatalities, though emergency services remain on high alert.
REACTIONS & NEXT STEPS
“I’m devastated to hear of another extreme flood,” said Republican Congressman Cory Mills of Florida. “Join me in praying for the community of Ruidoso, the first responders, and everyone involved.”
Authorities are urging residents to continue monitoring alerts and avoid all travel through flooded areas. The region remains under threat as weather systems linger.
This unfolding crisis deepens concern about climate resilience in the Southwest, where outdated infrastructure and vulnerable geography leave towns like Ruidoso dangerously exposed to increasingly intense weather patterns.
