3 Confirmed Dead After Flash Flooding Tears Through Small Mountain Town In New Mexico
Ruidoso, a remote village in the mountains of New Mexico, was struck by flash flooding on Tuesday (July 8), resulting in the deaths of three people. (Photo Credits: Jesus Figueroa / Facebook)
New Mexico Village Of Ruidoso Ravaged By Flash Flooding
Ruidoso, a remote village in the Sierra Blanca mountain range of New Mexico, was struck by “unprecedented” flash flooding on Tuesday (July 8). The news comes after the state of Texas was hit with catastrophic flooding on July 4.
Ruidoso is approximately 180 miles south of Albuquerque and home to 7,600 people. Last year (2024), the town was affected by the South Fork and Salt wildfires, which burned over 17,000 acres.
As NBC News details, the fires left behind burn scars and made the soil hydrophobic, meaning it does not absorb water. The town also experienced flooding last year, but nothing like this.
Ruidoso is susceptible to the monsoon season, which starts in late June and ends in early September. This makes the village subject to flash flooding, but this recent flood was the worst that the village’s mayor, Lynn Crawford, has ever seen.
NBC News cites the National Weather Service, which states that the Rio Ruidoso crested at 15.86 feet last year, setting a record. But this year’s storm caused the river to crest at a new record height of 20.24 feet.
Before the rain, Mayor Crawford said the river was so small “you could have jumped across it.”
Village Of Ruidoso, New Mexico, Confirms 3 People Died In The Flash Flood
Crawford said the flash flooding in the New Mexico village has left multiple bridges underwater. There were also reports of gas leaks at homes destroyed by the fast-moving floodwaters
Ruidoso resident Kaitlyn Carpenter uploaded a video on Facebook of a house being washed away by the rushing water. That video has been shared in multiple news reports, including the one from NBC below.
“It was terrifying, honestly,” Carpenter told the outlet. “I was not expecting that. I was really shaken up.”
Sadly, it was confirmed later on Tuesday that three people lost their lives to the flood. A statement released on the village of Ruidoso’s website reads:
“The Village of Ruidoso confirms that three people have tragically lost their lives as a result of the historic flash flooding that swept through the community on July 8, 2025. The victims were swept downstream by the unprecedented floodwaters that struck the area.”
The three individuals killed in the flood were a 40-50 year-old male, a four-year-old female, and a seven-year-old male. The village did not share if these individuals were related to each other.
“Our hearts are broken for the families who have lost their loved ones in this terrible tragedy,” said Mayor Crawford. “The entire Village of Ruidoso extends our deepest sympathy and compassion to these grieving families during this unimaginably difficult time. We are united in our sorrow and our commitment to supporting one another as we face this devastating loss together.”
Search and rescue operations remain underway in Ruidoso. Emergency personnel have already conducted 50-60 swift-water rescues.
Those needing shelter can visit the Ruidoso Community Center at 501 Sudderth Drive. Counseling services for those in need are available through the New Mexico Crisis and Access Line at the following phone number: 1-855-662-7474.
The village’s official Facebook page is sharing regular updates and important information on the flooding and relief efforts.
The people of Ruidoso, and the families of those lost in the flood, will be in our prayers…
