Monsoon rains caused severe flash flooding in the mountain village of Ruidoso, southern New Mexico, leading to at least three people missing and an entire house being swept downstream. Emergency crews conducted over 85 swift water rescues, evacuating residents trapped in homes and vehicles. Although no deaths were immediately reported, three individuals were hospitalized in stable condition. The flooding was exacerbated by recent wildfires in 2024 that stripped vegetation, reducing the land’s ability to absorb rainwater and causing the Rio Ruidoso to rise nearly 20 feet, potentially a record high.

Local authorities, including the National Guard, responded swiftly with rescue operations and opened shelters for displaced residents. Roads and bridges were closed due to debris and flooding, and officials urged people to seek higher ground. The disaster followed deadly flash floods in Texas and highlighted the ongoing vulnerability of the region, which had already suffered significant damage from wildfires earlier in the year. Recovery efforts continued as search teams scoured the area for missing persons and cleared affected infrastructure.