Catastrophic floods in Ruidoso: what caused them and what are the consequences
9 july 2025 в 18:37
Recently, after several counties in Texas were devastated by floods, the small town of Ruidoso in New Mexico was also hit by catastrophic floods just one year after fires destroyed parts of the land. So far, several people have died from the floods in Ruidoso, including two children. Below you will find updates on the floods and learn what caused them.
According to the village of Ruidoso, sudden floods hit the town on July 8 after «heavy monsoon rains fell on areas affected by last year’s fires — the South Fork and Salt fires, creating dangerous conditions that led to a rapid rise in water throughout the village».
The fires that occurred in June 2024 around Ruidoso developed quickly and were difficult to extinguish. Especially the South Fork fire burned thousands of acres of land around Ruidoso. Investigators found that a lightning strike could have caused the fire.
Unfortunately, at least three people have died as a result of the sudden floods in Ruidoso. According to information from the village’s website, a 4-year-old girl, a 7-year-old boy, and an adult man died after being caught in the strong current of the raging stream and carried downstream. It is unclear whether all three victims were connected to each other.
Mayor Lynn Crawford commented on the tragedy, saying: «Our hearts are broken for the families who have lost loved ones in this terrible tragedy. The entire village of Ruidoso extends our deepest condolences and sympathy to these grieving families in this unimaginably difficult time. We are united in our grief and our commitment to support each other, facing this devastating loss together».
As the sudden floods occurred quickly, organized evacuations did not take place, and many homes and structures suffered from the fury of the raging waters.
According to The Weather Channel, Ruidoso is expected to face further rain showers, but the remainder of the second week of July is forecasted to be mostly sunny. Thunderstorms will follow in the following weeks
According to the village of Ruidoso, sudden floods hit the town on July 8 after «heavy monsoon rains fell on areas affected by last year’s fires — the South Fork and Salt fires, creating dangerous conditions that led to a rapid rise in water throughout the village».
The fires that occurred in June 2024 around Ruidoso developed quickly and were difficult to extinguish. Especially the South Fork fire burned thousands of acres of land around Ruidoso. Investigators found that a lightning strike could have caused the fire.
Unfortunately, at least three people have died as a result of the sudden floods in Ruidoso. According to information from the village’s website, a 4-year-old girl, a 7-year-old boy, and an adult man died after being caught in the strong current of the raging stream and carried downstream. It is unclear whether all three victims were connected to each other.
Mayor Lynn Crawford commented on the tragedy, saying: «Our hearts are broken for the families who have lost loved ones in this terrible tragedy. The entire village of Ruidoso extends our deepest condolences and sympathy to these grieving families in this unimaginably difficult time. We are united in our grief and our commitment to support each other, facing this devastating loss together».
As the sudden floods occurred quickly, organized evacuations did not take place, and many homes and structures suffered from the fury of the raging waters.
According to The Weather Channel, Ruidoso is expected to face further rain showers, but the remainder of the second week of July is forecasted to be mostly sunny. Thunderstorms will follow in the following weeks
© Puhova Marina
