A man and two children were killed as historic flash flooding swept New Mexico this week, according to local officials.
The Village of Ruidoso, N.M., said Tuesday that a man, who was estimated to be in his 40s or 50s, and a 4-year-old girl and 7-year-old boy were “caught in the rushing floodwaters and carried downstream.” The Rio Ruidoso hit a record-breaking 20 feet during the massive deluge.
The three deceased have not been publicly identified, but the village, which is about 160 miles south of Albuquerque, asked for privacy for the families affected.
“Our hearts are broken for the families who have lost their loved ones in this terrible tragedy,” Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford (R) said in a statement. “The entire Village of Ruidoso extends our deepest sympathy and compassion to these grieving families during this unimaginably difficult time.”
“We are united in our sorrow and our commitment to supporting one another as we face this devastating loss together,” he added.
Emergency crews conducted dozens of swift-water rescues after heavy “monsoonal” rain fell Tuesday on areas that were burned in wildfires last year, prompting a rapid water rise, per the village’s statement. Search and rescue efforts continue.
The deadly New Mexico flood came just days after a downpour in Texas caused flash flooding that killed more than 100 people.
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