Summary of the Ruidoso, New Mexico Flooding
This article details the devastating flooding that occurred in Ruidoso, New Mexico on Tuesday, caused by intense rainfall over a recent wildfire burn scar. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
Record-Breaking Flood: The Rio Ruidoso river rose over 20 feet, setting a new record high-water mark, exceeding the previous record by nearly 5 feet.
Wildfire Connection: the flooding was exacerbated by 3.5 inches of rain falling over the South Fork burn scar in just 90 minutes. Burn scars are particularly vulnerable to flooding as they can’t absorb rainfall effectively. Impact on Residents: RV Park owner Barbara Arthur lost both her business and home.Residents scrambled to safety as the river surged. Emergency crews conducted numerous swift water rescues.
Financial toll: the state is estimating over $50 million in emergency response expenditures and infrastructure damage. Ruidoso is requesting $100 million in federal aid to purchase flood-prone private land.
Broader Context: This event follows recent deadly flash floods in Texas.
Ongoing Risk: Officials warn that Ruidoso will remain vulnerable to flooding throughout the monsoon season (June-September) due to the ongoing recovery from the wildfire and sediment buildup in the river. The village was also in the process of replacing warning sirens and reassessing flood risks.
Economic Impact: The flooding has disrupted Ruidoso’s tourism-based economy, including a derailed horse race.
Acknowledging Nature’s Power: The mayor emphasized the overwhelming power of nature and the limitations of human control.
In essence, the article paints a picture of a community reeling from a catastrophic flood, facing important financial challenges, and bracing for the possibility of further disasters during the monsoon season. The event highlights the increased flood risk associated with wildfire burn scars.
