The village of Ruidoso is located in the southern part of New Mexico and is a noted vacation spot boasting camping and recreation amid its expansive forest landscape. World Population Review notes the village rose to a total of 7,600 in 2025. That was a decrease of the population by less than 1% in recent years.

A flash flood swept through the village of Ruidoso in New Mexico on Tuesday afternoon, causing severe damage. Videos showed multiple homes being washed away by the flash flood water with strong current. Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico issued a warning to the residents of Ruidoso to evacuate to higher ground.

Broken tree limbs, twisted metal, crumpled cars and muddy debris remained as crews worked to clear roads and culverts in the wake of Tuesday's flash flood that killed three people — including two children — and significantly damaged as many as 50 homes,