Ruidoso Floods Kill Three, Cancel Major Horse Race

Severe flash flooding in Ruidoso, New Mexico, killed three people—a man and two children aged 4 and 7—who were part of a military family from Fort Bliss and swept away from an RV park, with the children's parents hospitalized. The Rio Ruidoso surged to a historic 20-foot crest, five feet higher than last year's record. At least 65 swift-water rescues were conducted as search efforts continue for missing persons, while dozens of homes were damaged or destroyed and numerous roads remain closed. The flooding was intensified by burn scars from last year's wildfires and forced the cancellation of the Rainbow Futurity horse race at Ruidoso Downs, causing substantial economic losses. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency and requested federal assistance as residents face continued flood risk. Officials warn that full damage assessments will require several days, and the community is working to support those impacted.