Flash floods hit New Mexico resort town; terrifying videos show house swept away, dozens rescued
Flash floods triggered by heavy monsoon rains struck the mountain village of Ruidoso in New Mexico, trapping dozens of residents in homes and vehicles and sweeping an entire house down the Rio Ruidoso.
Shocking video footage circulating on social media shows a house torn from its foundation and carried away by the floodwaters, slamming into trees as it surged downstream.
Flash Flood New Mexico: Massive Flash flood emergency with a 20 foot flood wave, debris flow and homes floating down the Rio Ruidoso River!
Officials report the Rio Ruidoso River rose 20 feet in 30 minutes.
This is a developing story. pic.twitter.com/3rP5SOdROM
— John Cremeans (@JohnCremeansX) July 8, 2025
MAJOR flash flooding now in progress in and near the Ruidoso, New Mexico!!
Say prayers. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/74HmEGEtef
— Jammles (@jammles9) July 8, 2025
Reports say they have not yet confirmed whether anyone was inside the home at the time.
Although no deaths or injuries have been confirmed, emergency crews, including local law enforcement and the National Guard, carried out at least 85 swift-water rescues throughout the Ruidoso area.
ALERT: Happening now in Ruidoso, New Mexico, as heavy rain triggers flooding
A horrific flash flood has never seen it swept away large rocks and cars within minutes... People have promptly moved to the highlands.
Let's pray for people in the flash flood area in News Mexico.🙏✝️ pic.twitter.com/8dglgl0RpO
— vanhoa (@vanhoa2272) July 9, 2025
The Rio Ruidoso surged to a provisional record height of 20.24 feet (6.2 meters) during the peak of the flooding. As waters began to recede on Tuesday evening, search efforts shifted toward combing through debris in hopes of locating any survivours.
Reports say severity of the flooding was worsened by a wildfire that devastated the area last June, leaving the landscape prone to erosion.
Ruidoso, a popular summer and winter destination nestled in the Sierra Blanca.
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