'Seek HIGHER GROUND': New Mexico flash floods prompt water rescues
The National Weather Service in Albuquerque triggered the emergency for the village of Ruidoso at around 3 p.m. Tuesday. The town is susceptible to mudslides and increased runoff following two large fires left or scorched swathes of land known as "burn scars" last year.
"A DANGEROUS situation is unfolding in RUIDOSO! A FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY remains in effect! Seek HIGHER GROUND NOW! Do NOT attempt to drive through the floodwaters. The current will carry away your vehicle!'' the office wrote on social media.
About three miles from Ruidoso, waters rose by 20 feet at the Rio Ruidoso at Hollywood in less than half an hour, according to NewsChannel3Now. The local station shared a video of a house being swept in the swollen river. Officials urged those near Rio Ruidoso to move to higher ground immediately and avoid driving through flooded roadways.
The weather service said the river crested provisional measure of 20.24 feet, setting a new record and surpassing last year's 15.86 feet crest.
Horse racetrack flooded, horses submerged up to their knees
Waters flooded the town's Ruidoso Downs Racetrack, with Quarter horse trainer Marc Jungers saying his barn took on four feet of water, submerging horses up to their knees.
"The track (Ruidoso Downs) is flooded. Mother Nature got us today. We just want to make sure the horses are okay and safe," Jungers told the El Paso Times, part of the USA TODAY Network.
Quarter horse trainer Eric Valenzuela said the track is in poor condition and the jockeys' room was impacted. While his stables, located on higher ground, were spared major damage, he noted uncertainty about the remainder of the meet.
Videos capture Ruidoso flash flooding
Eddie Garcia, chief meteorologist with Albuquerque NBC affiliate KOB 4, shared a video on Facebook of a cabin being swept away by floodwaters.
"A HOUSE in Ruidoso was washed away in flood waters just 30 min to an hour ago. Flash flood emergency until 5:15. Seek higher ground if you live in the area," Garcia posted on Facebook July 8.
Ruidoso resident and arborist Jesus Figueroa also shared several videos on Facebook capturing flash flooding rushing through roads and cabins Tuesday afternoon.
Emergency comes after deadly Texas floods kill at least 109
The Ruidoso flash flood emergency comes less than a week after devastating Texas floods left at least 109 people dead and more than 160 people missing.
Search and rescue operations persist Tuesday after heavy rainfall overwhelmed the Guadalupe River on Friday, July 4 and floodwaters surged through homes.
Among the victims are at least 27 children and counselors from the Kerr County Christian girls camp Camp Mystic. At least 30 children died in the county, Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed Tuesday, July 8 as the search enters its fifth day. Five more Mystic campers and one counselor remain unaccounted for.
Kerrville Police Department Community Services Officer Jonathan Lamb emphasized the chances for finding victims alive is slim, adding that the live rescue was made on Friday.
Contributing: Jeanine Santucci and Jorge L. Ortiz, USA TODAY
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