Flash Flooding Returns, Threatening Community After Wildfires

Heavy rainfall on Thursday triggered flash flooding in Ruidoso, New Mexico, leading to road closures and the rescue of several individuals trapped by the rapidly moving water. The community has been experiencing significant flooding this summer due to afternoon thunderstorms.

The area's vulnerability to flooding has been exacerbated by past wildfires that removed trees and vegetation from the hillsides. Despite the severity of the flooding, the mayor reported no fatalities or injuries as of Thursday evening.

Social media videos captured the destruction, including a home being swept away and a large tree falling. Earlier in the month, similar flash flooding resulted in multiple fatalities and numerous rescues.

Ruidoso, a mountain village located in southern New Mexico, is situated approximately a three-hour drive southeast of Albuquerque. On Thursday, residents shared videos depicting muddy water surging through creeks and over roads, causing damage to property. Authorities were managing traffic to prevent vehicles from entering the floodwaters.

The National Weather Service has been consistently issuing flash-flood watches and warnings due to the ongoing summer rainy season. The Rio Ruidoso experienced a significant rise in water levels as a result of the burn-scar flooding. Flood watches were also in effect for areas in northern New Mexico affected by the 2022 Calf Canyon Hermit's Peak wildfires.