At least three people, including two children, were killed in flash floods that swept through parts of New Mexico on Tuesday, July 8, prompting the state governor to declare a state of emergency. The fatalities occurred in the Village of Ruidoso, a mountain town located approximately 180 miles southeast of Albuquerque.
According to an official statement from the village, the victims—a middle-aged man, a 4-year-old girl, and a 7-year-old boy—were “caught in the rushing floodwaters and carried downstream” after the Rio Ruidoso surged to a historic 20 feet, surpassing its previous record by five feet.
Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford expressed condolences:
“Our hearts are broken for the families who have lost their loved ones in this terrible tragedy. We are united in our sorrow and our commitment to supporting one another as we face this devastating loss together.”
The floodwaters left many residents trapped in their homes and necessitated numerous water rescues. Authorities reported widespread damage, including mudslides, gas leaks, and washed-out bridges. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a flash flood emergency for the area at 3:00 p.m. local time, warning residents to seek higher ground and avoid attempting to drive through the floodwaters.
Ruidoso is particularly vulnerable to flooding due to burn scars left by two significant wildfires in 2024, which have increased the risk of mudslides and heavy runoff.
Widespread Flooding Hits Texas and North Carolina
The tragedy in New Mexico adds to a week of deadly flooding across the United States. In Kerr County, Texas, over 100 people have died, and more than 160 remain missing following a catastrophic flash flood on July 4. Authorities continue to search debris-covered areas for survivors, though the last live rescue was recorded on the day of the flood.
Among the victims in Texas were at least 27 children and counselors from Camp Mystic, a well-known Christian summer camp located along the Guadalupe River. The camp was inundated by floodwaters in the early morning hours, leaving little time to evacuate. Search teams are still looking for five missing campers and one counselor.
Meanwhile, in North Carolina, at least four people were killed when Tropical Storm Chantal dumped more than 10 inches of rain over central parts of the state. Cities like Asheville and Raleigh experienced significant flooding and property damage.
Conclusion:
With dozens dead and hundreds still missing, this week’s flash floods underscore the growing intensity and danger of extreme weather events across the United States. Emergency services are continuing rescue and recovery efforts in multiple states, while officials urge the public to remain alert and heed all warnings from the National Weather Service.
