EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Two children and a man have died as a result of the flash flooding on Tuesday, July 8, in Ruidoso, the Village of Ruidoso said in an update.
The Village says a 7-year-old boy, a 4-year-old girl, and a man in his 40s or 50s died after they were swept downstream by the flood.
KTSM 9 News learned that the children who died in the flooding are part of a Fort Bliss family.
Military officials released a statement on Wednesday, stating a Fort Bliss soldier, their spouse, sustained serious injuries. Tragically, the couple’s two children died as a result of the flooding.
Fort Bliss says the family was caught in the flash flood while on approved leave at a recreational vehicle campground near Ruidoso on Tuesday.
“Our hearts are heavy with grief following this devastating loss,” said Brig. Gen. Rory Crooks, deputy commanding general of the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss. “The entire Fort Bliss community extends our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this tragedy. We are coordinating closely with local authorities and are providing full support to the family under these tragic circumstances.”
Fort Bliss
KTSM 9 News’ Jesus Baltazar, who’s been reporting in Ruidoso since Tuesday, spoke with Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford late Tuesday evening, who said that multiple people were missing and search and rescue operations were being conducted.
A neighborhood in the area also began to search for the victims who went missing, and the Village confirmed around midnight that three people had died as a result of the flooding and were found in the river two miles from where they were reported missing.
The man who died in the flooding has yet to be identified. Fort Bliss isn’t releasing the names of the soldier and their family “out of respect for the family’s privacy and accordance with the Department of Defense.”
Military officials are reportedly working with first responders in Ruidoso and military casualty assistance officers to provide care and resources to the family.
U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, provided condolences to the military family on Wednesday. “My heart is with them, their loved ones and the entire Fort Bliss family as they go through this incredibly difficult time. It’s also with the community of Ruidoso that only a year after devastating fires is now facing more tragedy.”
Town officials, including Mayor Lynn Crawford said three other people were injured and were take a hospital, where they are in stable condition, during a morning press conference on Wednesday, July 9.
One person has been reported missing, and 20 people have been displaced from their homes and were later moved to a hotel, Crawford said.
Eight horses have died from the flooding, along with several cats, dogs, and other small animals, Crawford said.
Crawford added that a damage assessment will take several days, and windshield surveys along with preliminary reports show 30 to 50-plus homes and businesses have been damaged.
The flash flooding took place on Tuesday when heavy rain fell in the burn scar areas from last year’s South Fork and Salt fires.
Crews conducted 65 swift water rescues where they rescued people from the water, trees, cars, and people who were trapped in their homes, Crawford said.
The majority of the rescues started in the Upper Canyon area, an official said during the press conference.
Residents in the Cedar Creek and Paradise Canyon area were alerted to reach higher ground on Tuesday. However, a full town evacuation was not ordered, VOR Emergency Manager Eric Queller said during the press conference.
Door-to-door knocking was implemented by officials where communities along the river were evacuated, Queller said.
Teams and staff were also pre-positioned at areas that are prone to flooding.
Twelve road closures are currently in place throughout the Village, and inspection crews are currently out assessing roadways and bridges. To view those road closures, click here.
Search and rescue operations are still underway, and the Village is working closely with the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, and other agencies.
Residents shared with KTSM 9 News that the flooding has been worse than what they experienced last year after the two major wildfires.
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an emergency declaration late Tuesday night, asking for federal help.
President of Mexico Claudia Sheinbaum has reached out to Ruidoso regarding the fatal flooding.
“We’ve even had contact from Mexico. The President of Mexico has called so I think that Texas has put a spotlight on it, and that it is really engaged to resources that are available,” Crawford said.
Residents who are currently without water can get supplied with water at ENMU at 709 Mechem Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345.
For any needs or questions, call the Ruidoso Call Center at 575-258-6901. If you are missing a family member or have information concerning people who are missing, call 575-637-0398.
The Ruidoso Community Center at 501 Sudderth Drive remains open as a temporary shelter for displaced residents. Counseling services are available through the New Mexico Crisis and Access Line at 1-855-662-7474.
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