Following another wave of destructive flash flooding, the Village of Ruidoso is continuing cleanup efforts and infrastructure assessments while calling on residents, volunteers, and state partners to aid in the recovery.
Flash flooding on Thursday, July 17, led to dangerous conditions, including rising waters along U.S. Highway 70 and the emergency rescue of five individuals, among them two children, who were trapped in a mobile home park near Ruidoso Downs, according to regional news coverage. Authorities temporarily closed major roads, including Highway 70 and Gavilan Canyon Road, though both have since reopened.
The Village’s Community Development Department is conducting a comprehensive damage assessment through the weekend, while crews and volunteers, including the Eastern New Mexico University Greyhounds football team, are pitching in to support cleanup efforts across affected neighborhoods.
A boil water advisory remains in effect for all residents. Water should be boiled for at least one minute before consumption, cooking, or hygiene use. The Albuquerque Environmental Health Department is on-site helping reduce the health risks posed by standing water, particularly mosquito-borne threats.
Those interested in supporting local relief efforts can contribute through the Ruidoso Flooding Helpline in partnership with Nusenda Credit Union, operating this Friday from 5-7 p.m.
Long-term recovery plans are also under discussion, particularly around rebuilding the historic Ruidoso Downs Race Track, which sustained significant flood damage during the July 8 storms. As first reported by KOB 4, the facility lost vital infrastructure including its jock’s rooms, barns, tote board, and test barns.
“We’ve been assessing everything…there’s a lot of destruction here,” said Rick Baugh, General Manager of the track.
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has presented multiple proposals for recovery, including moving the track north of the Rio Ruidoso or constructing flood-safe bridges to manage future debris flows. “She’s fully dedicated to getting this racetrack back up and going,” Baugh said, citing the track’s estimated $160 million impact on the regional economy.
Further storms remain possible in the coming days.
For more updates, safety notices, or ways to help, visit www.ruidoso-nm.gov.
