Record-breaking flooding destroys homes, leaves 3 dead in Ruidoso
Last year, the Village of Ruidoso faced historic burn scar floods, but on Wednesday, they said these floods have surpassed that. The mayor said at a news conference Wednesday that after a year of rebuilding, they had just gotten back on their feet. 'We were there and now again we're not. So we're backed up and that creates quite a dichotomy because we are here today talking about the catastrophe that we just experienced, the biggest catastrophe of all is the three lives that we lost,' said Mayor Crawford.
The Village of Ruidoso said a flash flood emergency was declared at 2:45 p.m. Tuesday, warning the public to get to high ground. The floods hit a record high of over 20 feet, beating last year's record-setting of 15 feet.
The areas hit the hardest include the Upper Canyon, Brady Canyon, Cedar Creek, and Paradise Canyon. The Village of Ruidoso said they had approximately 65 swift water rescues with people getting stuck in homes, cars, and trees.
About 18 to 20 people were displaced and are staying at the Village Community Center. The mayor confirmed that a 4-year-old girl, a 7-year-old boy, and a 40 to 50-year-old man were swept downstream and killed.
Officials have not released the names of the victims. KRQE News 13 has learned that a Fort Bliss soldier and his family were in Ruidoso and caught in the record flooding. The soldier and his spouse sustained serious injuries and are receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Texas. The couple's children were declared dead.
The New Mexico National Guard currently has approximately 70 members in Ruidoso and has a Black Hawk helicopter on standby to help with search and rescue missions. The Village of Ruidoso said they have an outdoor warning system that they did not activate because it's reserved for full town evacuations, saying the flooding only affected specific areas.
According to officials, 30 – 50 homes have been destroyed, and the number could rise as crews work to assess the damage. All shelters are open for anyone who needs to utilize them. A missing persons hotline was set up at (575) 637 – 0398. Residents can monitor updates from the Village of Ruidoso via social posts, which can be accessed through the village website by clicking here.
Officials also say the second leg of the Triple Crown quarter horse racing, which was supposed to start this weekend, will not be happening. Ruidoso Downs Race Track crews had begun restoring the track earlier this year, putting in culverts and a retention basin to help with flooding. Video from Tuesday shows flood water taking over the track, overpowering those flood mitigation efforts.
The Ruidoso Downs released the following statement:
We want to start this morning by saying thank you to all those that have reached out and checked in on our property, team members and animals. Due to the severity of the flood waters, we are currently assessing all damage to best determine next steps. Safety is our top priority and what we will focus on today as we work towards a plan. We will continue to post on social media and our website as details come available. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected and serve as a reminder that we are stronger together. #ruidosostrong
Ruidoso Downs
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Ruidoso Downs handler recounts saving horses' lives during historic flooding
RUIDOSO, N.M. (KRQE) – The historic floods that swept through Ruidoso damaged hundreds of homes and businesses, including the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and Casino. The sudden floods quickly endangered hundreds of horses located throughout the Downs, but brave employees stepped up to help. The floods on Tuesday brought in more than 20 feet of water, putting race horses that were in their stalls in danger. How to donate to Ruidoso flood victims KRQE News 13 spoke with handler Pedrio Zubiate, who said dozens of workers risked their lives to rescue the animals. 'There were areas where the water was up to my knees,' said Zubiate. He said he was working in his stalls Tuesday afternoon when workers received a flash flood warning on their phones. He said his boss told him and the other workers to grab their belongings and rush down to help the horses near the track.'You could see the river that crosses down here. Start to rise, and rise, and rise, and rise. Once it overflowed, we could see horses with water up to their knees. That's when we said, get everything out,' said Zubiate. Officials say hundreds of homes damaged in Ruidoso flooding Zubiate said he, along with other workers, didn't hesitate to wade into the water to rescue more than 100 horses. He said that although they were in fear of the rising water and the possibility of a frightened horse hurting them, they couldn't leave the animals to suffer. 'Basically, we wake up with them, we eat with them, sleep with them. The truth is, it's a strong love we have for these animals, and letting them die, it's not an option,' Zubiate said. When asked if it was worth risking their own lives for the animals, Zubiate said it was an easy decision. 'People think, 'they're just animals.' It's not like that. No, for us, they're family.' Ruidoso Downs said the floods destroyed jockeys' quarters, timing mechanisms, and other necessary equipment needed to operate horse racing, leading them to cancel the races at the Ruidoso Downs this season. 'Well, it's hard. To start to move everything again. We were already set up here, getting used to the climate and prepping our horses, and now we have to start over again.' In a press release, Ruidoso Downs said their infield got more than 10 feet of water at the height of the flash flooding, but said no race horses died during the floods. Ruidoso Downs also announced that this year's All American Futurity, Derby, and Oaks will be held at the Albuquerque Downs on Labor Day. They added they're 'confident there will be horse racing again at Ruidoso Downs in 2026. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Stormy day with a drop in temperatures around New Mexico
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Muggy conditions have remained this morning with patchy fog in the east and lingering showers in the higher elevations to northeast New Mexico. Above freezing temperatures are confined to most of the higher peaks of the northern Mountains, with valley floor locations starting off in the high 40s or in the 50s. Elsewhere is mostly starting off in the 50s to the lower 70s. Forecast Continues Below News: Ruidoso flash floods lead to several swift water rescue operations Trending: New Mexico State Police explain middle of the night cell phone alert Community: What's happening in New Mexico July 18-24? Route 66 Summerfest and more Sports: Eck ready to build for the future, Mendenhall provides clarification on UNM departure A low pressure system to the southwest, in combination to a high pressure system moving away to the southeast, will combine to for more monsoon storms across many of the burn scars. Flooding is likely, across the mountains, and partially down some of the valleys floors, including parts of the Rio Grande Valley. Thick clouds will dampen temperatures with most reaching the 70s, 80s and near 90 degrees. Some highly-elevated areas or northern areas may not get out of the 60s. The pattern of muggy mornings with breezy afternoons will still continue. More storms will fire off, with an influx of low-level moisture from the Gulf and lower pressure approaching from the Rockies. This will keep the stormy, muggy pattern in place with gusty winds. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Curbside debris pickup available in Lincoln County
LINCOLN COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) – Lincoln County residents who are cleaning up after flooding in the area can get their trash picked up curbside. Story continues below News: New Mexico Supreme Court throws out embezzlement charges against former official Trending: A 'professional courtesy': How an officer crossed the line Community: Funding for farming internship program at APS in jeopardy KRQE Investigates: Embattled McKinley County DA asks for emergency funding to keep her office running Those who would like their debris to be picked up curbside are asked to sort their debris into five categories: Electronics (such as televisions, computers, phones). Large appliances (such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, stoves, or dishwashers. Be sure to seal or secure the doors so they are not accessible). Vegetative debris (such as tree branches, leaves, or plants). Sediment Construction debris (such as drywall, lumber, carpet, or furniture). Household garbage, discarded food, paper or packaging. Curbside debris must be free of overhead obstructions, maintain an 8' clear radius surrounding the debris, and should not obstruct the right-of-ways, according to the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Those who would like to dispose of their debris themselves can find disposal locations, the types of debris accepted, and guidance on debris removal on the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management's website. Residents are encouraged to photograph damage before mucking and gutting begins and should save receipts for any costs related to the flooding. Guidance on how to safely remove debris is available at Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
