Twin Tragedies: Floods Devastate Ruidoso and Kerr County

Still reeling from last year’s wildfires, the mountain town of Ruidoso, New Mexico, is now facing a new nightmare: catastrophic flash flooding. On June 8, heavy monsoon rains overwhelmed the area, destroying homes, roads, and businesses.

“One of the Worst We’ve Seen”
Mayor Lynn Crawford reported more than 30 swift-water rescues and said, “This is one of the worst events we’ve seen.” The Rio Ruidoso, once shallow enough to cross on foot, surged to 20 feet.

Three Lives Lost
Among the victims:

• A man in his 40s or 50s

• A 4-year-old girl

• A 7-year-old boy

The children were swept away in floodwaters. Their aunt, Tiffanie Wyatt, had been desperately searching for them. Another family lost 5-year-old Charlotte and 7-year-old Sebastian at Midtown RV Park.

Ruidoso has opened shelters and is working with state and local emergency teams. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has declared a state of emergency, calling for federal assistance.

Texas Flood Disaster: 51 Dead in Kerr County

Meanwhile, in Texas, flash flooding along the Guadalupe River has claimed at least 51 lives, including 15 children—most of them campers at Camp Mystic in Kerr County.

On July 5, floodwaters tore through the historic girls’ camp. Furniture floated. Cabins filled within minutes. Some children escaped by clinging to debris—one girl floated to safety on a mattress.

43 confirmed dead in Kerr County alone. Twenty-seven children remain missing.

Officials described it as a “flood wave”—a sudden, deadly surge that left devastation in its wake.

Bound by Grief—and Courage
From the Sierra Blanca Mountains to the Texas Hill Country, communities are leaning on one another, bonded by heartbreak and resilience. As search crews continue their work, both regions need compassion, support, and time to heal.

Stay informed. Stay safe. And if you can—reach out and help.