Just days after deadly flash floods killed more than 100 people in Texas, the nearby U.S. state of New Mexico is now battling a similar disaster. The small village of Ruidoso is currently facing severe flash flooding, with dramatic visuals surfacing online.
One viral video showed an entire house being swept away by the forceful current. The incident reflects the seriousness of the flooding in the area.
River Water Rose Rapidly to Dangerous Levels
In just minutes, the Rio Ruidoso River surged to a crest of 20.24 feet (6.1 meters). According to CBS News, this level was “extremely above” what the river usually records.
While the floods trapped several people in different parts of Ruidoso, no deaths or injuries have been reported so far. Emergency teams carried out at least 85 swift water rescues, and authorities urged residents to move to higher ground, as reported by the Associated Press (AP).
Ruidoso Hit by Wildfires Earlier This Year
This flash flood comes just weeks after wildfires devastated southern New Mexico, including Ruidoso, earlier in 2024. Now, the village is facing another natural crisis. A flash flood warning remained in effect until Tuesday night, according to NBC. Ruidoso lies about 184 miles (296 km) south of Albuquerque.
In one widely shared video, artist Kaitlyn Carpenter, who was sheltering with 50 others at a nearby riverside business, captured the moment a home was pulled into the raging river. She said the house belonged to the family of one of her best friends.
Texas Floods Far More Fatal
Unlike Ruidoso, where no lives have been lost so far, Texas continues to deal with devastating consequences from earlier floods. So far, at least 109 people have died, and around 160 remain missing.
Governor Greg Abbott gave an update, saying, “Just in the Kerr County area alone, there are 161 people who are known to be missing.” He also said that hopes of finding survivors are fading.
Most of the casualties—94 deaths—occurred in Kerr County, making it the hardest-hit area in Texas.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Texas with First Lady Melania Trump on Friday to assess the situation and meet with victims’ families.