July 2024 – The village of Ruidoso, New Mexico, continues to face severe challenges as it deals with the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl and recent flash floods. These events compound the difficulties experienced by the community, which is still recovering from devastating wildfires in June.

Timeline of Events

June 2024: The South Fork and Salt Fires ravage Ruidoso, leading to the evacuation of approximately 8,000 residents and the destruction of about 1,400 structures.

Early July 2024: Just as the fires were being contained, heavy rains triggered flash floods, resulting in over 160 rescues and further evacuations. The National Guard and local emergency services were heavily involved in these rescue operations.

Hurricane Beryl’s Impact: As Hurricane Beryl made landfall in early July, it brought torrential rains that exacerbated the already precarious situation in Ruidoso. The storm, which initially struck the Texas coast as a powerful Category 4 hurricane, left a trail of destruction before moving inland. By the time its remnants reached New Mexico, the storm had weakened but still carried significant rainfall, contributing to the flash flooding in the area.

Response and Ongoing Efforts

The Ruidoso Office of Emergency Management issued immediate evacuation orders for areas near the Rio Ruidoso, urging residents to move to higher ground. Shelters were established, and sandbags distributed to help protect properties from floodwaters. The El Paso Fire Water Rescue Team was deployed to assist with the emergency, conducting numerous swift water rescues over the weekend of June 29-30.

Despite the flooding helping to suppress remaining hot spots from the wildfires, the heavy rains also increased the risk of debris flows and mudslides, further complicating recovery efforts. Residents are advised to stay vigilant as weather forecasts predict continued rainfall in the coming days.

Community Support and Recovery

Efforts to support the affected community are ongoing. Donations are being collected to aid those who lost their homes and belongings in the wildfires and floods. Local organizations and authorities are working together to provide immediate relief and long-term recovery plans for the village.

The challenges faced by Ruidoso underscore the resilience of its residents and the critical importance of coordinated emergency response efforts in the face of multiple natural disasters.

For continued updates and ways to support the community, residents and concerned individuals can follow local news outlets and official communications from the Village of Ruidoso’s emergency management team.