New Mexico was hit by severe flash flooding triggered by monsoon rains on Tuesday, leaving at least three people missing from the mountain village of Ruidoso and causing a house to be swept downstream.
The Rio Ruidoso’s water levels rose from less than three feet to a crest of 20.24 feet in under an hour as a result of the heavy downpour, according to the National Weather Service.
Emergency crews have so far carried out at least 85 swift water rescues in the vicinity, including of people who were trapped in their homes and cars, said Danielle Silva of the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
Two National Guard rescue teams and several local teams already were in the area when the flooding began, Silva said, and more Guard teams were expected.
No deaths were immediately reported but three people have been taken to the hospital and were in stable condition, according to Kerry Gladden, public information officer for Ruidoso.
The disaster comes just days after flash floods in Texas killed at least 110 people and left 173 people missing.
Three missing and house swept away in Ruidoso
Mayor of Ruidoso Lynn Crawford told the press earlier that a father and two children are missing in the floods, although it is currently unclear whether these are the same three people alluded to by the National Weather Service in its initial alerts.
“We are still looking for some folks,” Mayor Crawford said on local radio.
“If you’re at home, stay at home,” he told residents, adding that the disaster “got ugly really quick” and that he has appealed to President Donald Trump for federal support in dealing with the calamity.
As the floodwaters recede, the full extent of the damage is still being assessed in the mountain village.
This video of the aforementioned house being carried away by the waters has to be seen to be believed:
Here’s more from Rich Booth.
Flash flooding emergency in New Mexico triggers multiple rescues
New Mexico was hit by severe flash flooding triggered by monsoon rains on Tuesday, leaving at least three people missing from the mountain village of Ruidoso and causing a house to be swept downstream.
The Rio Ruidoso’s water levels rose from less than three feet to a crest of 20.24 feet in under an hour as a result of the heavy downpour, according to the National Weather Service.
Emergency crews have so far carried out at least 85 swift water rescues in the vicinity, including of people who were trapped in their homes and cars, said Danielle Silva of the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
Two National Guard rescue teams and several local teams already were in the area when the flooding began, Silva said, and more Guard teams were expected.
No deaths were immediately reported but three people have been taken to the hospital and were in stable condition, according to Kerry Gladden, public information officer for Ruidoso.
Here’s Gustaf Kilander’s report.
Good morning
Hello and welcome to The Indepedent’s live coverage of the flash flooding that has struck southern New Mexico, days after a similar disaster led to multiple fatalities in Texas.
