Overview

• On July 24, heavy monsoon rains triggered flash flood warnings across Ruidoso and nearby Lincoln County communities, prompting urgent alerts for residents to seek higher ground.
• Emergency services rescued at least five people after the Rio Ruidoso surged above 12.5 feet, closing roads and sending debris flows of mud, rock and vegetation through burn-scarred drainages.
• Wildfire burn scars from the 2022 Calf Canyon Hermit’s Peak and South Fork blazes have left mountainsides vulnerable to rapid runoff and severe flash flooding.
• Evacuation shelters at the Ruidoso Community Center and ENMU remain open, and local officials are urging residents to follow National Weather Service guidance as rain threats persist.
• Less than three weeks after early-July floods killed three people and triggered state and federal disaster declarations, FEMA has opened assistance applications to support affected residents.