Ruidoso, New Mexico | July 9, 2025 -
Severe flash floods struck the quiet mountain village of Ruidoso, New Mexico, late Tuesday, sweeping away at least one home and leaving residents stranded in their cars and houses as muddy waters surged through neighborhoods and roads. The sudden downpour overwhelmed local drainage systems, transforming peaceful streets into dangerous rivers in a matter of minutes.

According to local officials, multiple roads in the area were completely submerged, cutting off access for emergency services and trapping residents inside flooded homes. Several cars were left floating or partially submerged, while others were found lodged in ditches or washed against trees. Authorities have confirmed that one entire home was swept away by the force of the floodwaters, though no casualties have been officially reported so far.

Residents described the situation as terrifying and sudden. “It felt like the mountain just broke loose,” said a local homeowner whose property was surrounded by floodwaters. “We had no warning. One minute it was raining, the next, it was like a river had taken over our street.”

Emergency responders, including local firefighters and rescue teams, worked through the night to reach stranded individuals. Boats and high-water vehicles were deployed to assist in evacuations and deliver supplies. As of Wednesday morning, several families had been rescued from rooftops and isolated homes. Temporary shelters have been set up in nearby schools and community centers to accommodate those displaced by the floods.

Officials are still assessing the full extent of the damage, but early reports suggest that dozens of homes have suffered water damage, and several sections of key roads have been rendered impassable due to mudslides and debris. The village’s infrastructure has taken a heavy hit, with power outages reported in multiple areas and water services disrupted in some neighborhoods.

Meteorologists attribute the flash flooding to a sudden cloudburst over the mountainous region, which caused excessive runoff in the narrow valleys of Ruidoso. The village, nestled in the Sierra Blanca mountain range, is particularly vulnerable to such weather events due to its terrain and limited storm drainage systems.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has been briefed on the situation and has directed the state’s emergency management team to coordinate with local officials. A disaster declaration is expected, which will allow for federal assistance to support relief and rebuilding efforts.

Local authorities have urged residents to avoid traveling in and out of Ruidoso until further notice, warning that conditions remain dangerous. They also advised people living near streams and low-lying areas to remain alert and prepared to evacuate if rainfall continues.

As the skies clear and the waters begin to recede, Ruidoso is left to deal with the aftermath of one of the most destructive weather events in recent memory. While the community rallies together, the focus now shifts to clean-up, rebuilding, and ensuring the safety of those who remain in affected areas.