The Village of Ruidoso is grappling with the aftermath of deadly floods that struck last month, exacerbated by heavy rains on burn scars from previous fires.
A hydrology and hydraulic study conducted by the Village has revealed troubling insights into how rainfall moves through the area, particularly over the burn scars left by last year’s South Fork and Salt fires. These conditions have led to significant flooding, resulting in three fatalities, 65 swift water rescues, and damage to between 200 to 400 homes.
“Last year, after the fires, we knew that the burn scars would be impactful, we just didn’t know how much,” Michael Martinez, the deputy manager of Ruidoso, said. “Ultimately, what was determined is that we think these burn scars and the waters that are coming off of them would really be impacting us, anywhere between five to seven years, if not 10.”
In response to the disaster, the federal government issued a Major Disaster Declaration in July, which provided financial assistance to affected individuals, households, and businesses in Lincoln County.
The Village is also considering implementing property buy-back programs to move properties away from the river, highlighting the seriousness of the situation, especially during the monsoon season.
Meanwhile, the Salvation Army Ruidoso Service Extension Unit remains a resource for residents facing financial hardship. The organization stated in a new release that it will continue to provide essential aid, including help with rent and utility bills, as well as distribute gift cards for basic necessities.
Operating through a unique partnership with the Cornerstone Bakery Café, the local hub of the Salvation Army Ruidoso Unit is open daily from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1712 Sudderth Dr.
With ongoing efforts to mitigate future risks, Ruidoso continues to adapt to its new normal, focusing on safety and recovery for its residents.
All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by KTSM. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by KTSM staff before being published.
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