Flash flooding in New Mexico killed at least 3, swept away many houses

In southern New Mexico’s mountain village near Ruidoso, severe flash flooding was triggered by intense monsoon rains on Tuesday.

This flash flooding in New Mexico caused widespread devastation, leaving at least three people missing and an entire house swept downstream. 

The flooding prompted a massive emergency response, with crews conducting approximately 85 swift water rescues to save residents trapped in homes and vehicles. 

Fortunately, no deaths were immediately reported, though three people were hospitalized in stable condition.

Flooding hits Mexico

The flooding was sudden and severe, as the Rio Ruidoso rose nearly 19 feet (about 2.7 meters) in just minutes due to heavy rainfall. 

This rapid surge caused the river to overflow its banks, inundating surrounding areas, closing streets and bridges, and leaving some cars stranded in mud. 

The National Weather Service issued flood warnings for the region, which had been made especially vulnerable by recent wildfires that stripped vegetation and reduced the land’s ability to absorb rainfall. These burn scars caused water to run off quickly into the river, intensifying the flood’s impact.

Local residents described the terrifying experience. Artist Kaitlyn Carpenter was caught in the storm while riding her motorcycle and sought shelter at a riverside brewery with about 50 others. 

New Mexico village after record-breaking flash flood

She witnessed debris rushing down the river, including a house with a distinctive turquoise door that belonged to her friend’s family. 

Though the family was safe, the sight of the house floating away was heartbreaking. 

The floodwaters knocked down trees and caused loud crashes throughout the area, while the air smelled strongly of gasoline, indicating the destructive power of the flood.

Mayor Lynn D. Crawford addressed the community by radio, urging residents to report missing loved ones and neighbors. 

He also noted reports of dead horses near the town’s horse racing track, underscoring the flood’s widespread impact on both people and animals. 

The mayor acknowledged that while flooding was expected, the severity of this event exceeded expectations.

The vulnerability of the region to flooding has been heightened since the summer of 2024, when the South Fork and Salt wildfires burned across large areas, destroying an estimated 1,400 homes and structures. Residents who had fled wildfires were now facing the devastating consequences of intense flooding. Emergency officials noted that water levels during this flood were higher than those experienced the previous year, with some areas flooding for the first time.

Meteorologist Matt DeMaria explained that storms developed over terrain recently scorched by wildfire, which prevented rainwater from soaking into the ground. Instead, water rapidly flowed downhill into the Rio Ruidoso, causing a surge that preliminary measurements suggest crested at more than 20 feet (6 meters)—a potential record high. By Tuesday evening, the water levels were receding, but search and rescue teams continued combing the area for missing persons.

In response to the disaster, three shelters were opened to accommodate residents who could not return to their homes. Local businesses, such as the Downshift Brewing Company, became refuge points for those displaced by the flood. Staff and volunteers welcomed dozens of residents seeking shelter from the storm and hail.

This flash flooding in New Mexico came just days after deadly flash floods in Texas that killed over 100 people and left more than 160 missing, highlighting a troubling pattern of extreme weather events affecting the region. The combination of recent wildfires and intense monsoon rains has created dangerous conditions, emphasizing the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and response in vulnerable communities.