Man, two children dead after flash floods sweep through Ruidoso

RUIDOSO, New Mexico (KCBD) - Two children and a man have died after flash floods struck Ruidoso.

The Village of Ruidoso says the victims were swept downstream by the floodwaters killing a 40 to 50 year old man, a four-year-old girl and a seven-year-old boy.

The young boy and girl were the children of a Fort Bliss soldier.

The soldier and his family were caught in the sudden flash flood at a RV campground near Ruidoso, Fort Bliss officials confirmed. The soldier and their spouse are being treated for serious injuries at a hospital in Texas.

“The entire Fort Bliss community extends our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this tragedy,” Brig. Gen. Rory Crooks, deputy commanding general of the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss, said.

The Ruidoso Police Chief said that the 3 victims were staying at a RV Park inside the village at the time of the flooding. They were found from a quarter mile to 2 miles down the river.

During a news conference, Mayor Lynn Crawford also said that 3 people were taken to the Lincoln County Medical Center for their injuries from the flood, and are in stable condition.

WATCH FULL NEWS CONFERENCE HERE:

“Our hearts are broken for the families who have lost their loved ones in this terrible tragedy,” said Mayor Lynn Crawford. “The entire Village of Ruidoso extends our deepest sympathy and compassion to these grieving families during this unimaginably difficult time. We are united in our sorrow and our commitment to supporting one another as we face this devastating loss together.”

Right Now, Mayor Crawford is encouraging visitors not to travel into Ruidoso at this time.

The Governor of New Mexico has is a State of Emergency for the Village of Ruidoso.

Crews are working to survey damage, and are moving debris from certain bridges and waterway inside the village. Several bridges are still closed across town.

According to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, just after 3 p.m. Mountain Time, Tuesday, radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain over the South Fork Burn Scar.

NWS says between 1.5 and 2.5 inches of rain had fallen.

According to KOB (4), an entire home was seen being swept away by the flood waters. Village officials say the Ruidoso Community Center at 501 Sudderth is open for anyone needing refuge.

Kerry Gladden with Ruidoso PR and media relations said a new record-high preliminary reading was set as water reached 20.24 feet in Rio Ruidoso, or the river depth. The river initially was at a depth of 1.43 feet. The prior record was 15.86 feet.

Mayor Crawford said in a radio interview Tuesday night that the village was prepared. He says anyone who would arrive in town as of the evening, would only see emergency vehicles driving around with no signs of the flood happening.

He said certain areas of the village saw the worst of the flood. However, the village itself wasn’t facing any evacuation. He said they’re still looking and searching, dealing with gas leaks and power outages, though.

However, he emphasized the village’s preparation.

Listen to the full interview here.

Widespread flash flooding has been reported in Ruidoso.

NWS says excessive rainfall over the burn scar will impact Upper Canyon, Brady Canyon, and Perk Canyon as well as the Cedar Creek, Eagle Creek and Rio Ruidoso drainages.

KOB 4 (NBC) in Albuquerque is hearing reports of water in stores in Midtown area, and a house flowing down the river behind Downshift Brewery.

The Village of Ruidoso has a Monsoon Season Awareness webpage that offers an interactive map with low-water crossings and is updated with any real-time street closures.

Click here to view the webpage.