Severe Flash Floods Strike Ruidoso, Fatalities Reported

On July 30, 2025, Ruidoso, New Mexico, was hit by severe flash flooding that caused water rescues, widespread water outages, and multiple road closures, especially near wildfire burn scar areas. The Rio Ruidoso overflowed after intense rainfall, with rates reaching up to three inches per hour, leading the National Weather Service to issue overnight flash flood warnings and watches. Key areas affected included Cherokee Mobile Village and the Ruidoso Downs Race Track, and emergency shelters were opened for displaced residents. Recovery crews are working to restore water service and reopen roads as water levels begin to recede. Resident frustration has grown over perceived inadequate infrastructure and uneven repair funding. This latest incident follows a summer of persistent flooding in Ruidoso, which has already resulted in fatalities and mounting community exhaustion.