Flash floods force over 85 rescues in Ruidoso, New Mexico

On July 8, 2025, devastating flash floods caused significant destruction in Ruidoso, a mountain town in New Mexico. The floods, triggered by heavy monsoon rains, overwhelmed the area, trapping residents in their homes and vehicles. Emergency responders were mobilized and carried out around 85 swift water rescues to save those affected. Danielle Silva from the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management described the situation as dire, noting that while there were no immediate reports of injuries or fatalities, the true extent of the damage would only be assessed once the floodwaters receded. The community faced a challenging recovery ahead, as debris and property damage covered extensive areas. Officials stressed the importance of preparedness in anticipation of such severe weather events in the future, recognizing the need for improved emergency response measures to handle similar occurrences more effectively. As Ruidoso begins to recover, local authorities have committed to ensuring better systems are established to mitigate deadly flooding risks moving forward.