Emergency in Ruidoso: Flash Flood Sweeps Away Home, Leaves Three Missing

RUIDOSO, N.M. — A sudden and powerful flash flood tore through the mountain village of Ruidoso on Tuesday, leaving at least three people missing, submerging roads, and sweeping an entire home downstream in a matter of minutes.

Fueled by intense monsoon rains, the flooding triggered a swift water rescue operation involving over 85 rescues of residents trapped in homes and vehicles, according to Danielle Silva of the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

While no fatalities were reported as of Tuesday night, three individuals were hospitalized in stable condition, said Kerry Gladden, a public information officer for the Village of Ruidoso.

Rio Ruidoso Surges Nearly 20 Feet in Minutes

The floodwaters, driven by torrential rain over wildfire-scarred terrain, caused the Rio Ruidoso to swell nearly 19 feet in minutes, prompting urgent warnings for residents to evacuate to higher ground.

According to the National Weather Service, the river’s rapid rise was likely exacerbated by the burn scar left from the 2024 South Fork and Salt wildfires, which destroyed more than 1,400 homes and left the soil unable to absorb rainfall.

Preliminary data suggests the river crested at over 20 feet, potentially setting a new record if confirmed.

“I Just Couldn’t Believe It”: A House Swept Downstream

Among the most haunting images of the day was a floating house—its turquoise door instantly recognizable to local artist Kaitlyn Carpenter, who took shelter at Downshift Brewing Company as the storm intensified.

“I’ve been in that house and have memories there,” Carpenter said. “Seeing it float down the river was heartbreaking.”

Fortunately, her friend’s family, who owns the home, was not inside at the time and is safe.

Outside the brewery, the river surged past streets and bridges, carrying trees, debris, and the pungent scent of fuel. Hail pounded windows, and crashes echoed through the village as trees and structures gave way.

Emergency Response Underway as Crews Search for the Missing

As of Tuesday evening, National Guard teams and local responders were scouring the area for the missing and clearing debris from roadways. Silva said two National Guard rescue teams were already in Ruidoso when the flooding began, with additional support en route.

Mayor Lynn D. Crawford addressed residents via radio Tuesday night, urging anyone missing a loved one or neighbor to call the village’s emergency line.

“We knew we were going to have floods,” Crawford said, “but this one hit us harder than expected.”

Crawford also reported dead horses found near the town’s racetrack, underscoring the extent of the disaster.

Flooding Follows a Year of Fire and Loss

Tuesday’s flooding is the latest blow to a community already devastated by wildfires. In summer 2024, Ruidoso residents fled fast-moving flames that wiped out homes and left hillsides barren—conditions that have made the area dangerously prone to flooding.

“This water was higher than what we saw last summer,” said Silva. “And it flowed into new areas that didn’t flood before.”

Meteorologist Matt DeMaria with the National Weather Service in Albuquerque said storms began forming Tuesday afternoon over the same burned terrain, triggering fast runoff into the already swollen Rio Ruidoso.

Shelters Open and Community Bands Together

Three emergency shelters opened across the Ruidoso area for residents unable to return home. Businesses like Downshift Brewing Company became impromptu refuges for dozens seeking safety.

Cory State, who works at the brewery, said the floating house was “just one of the many devastating things about today.” For Carpenter, the event reopened emotional wounds from the previous summer, when her art studio was lost in another flood.

“It’s pretty terrifying,” she said.

Looking Ahead

As waters recede and the skies clear, recovery efforts continue with search and rescue operations focused on the missing. Officials warn that the region remains vulnerable due to wildfire damage and saturated ground.

Residents are urged to stay alert for future flood advisories, and local agencies continue to assess structural damage, displaced residents, and infrastructure conditions.