Flash flooding continues to be threat in Ruidoso
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Flash flooding in the Ruidoso area prompted immediate evacuations this past weekend and will continue to pose a threat on Monday, July 1, according to the New Mexico Forestry Division.
Residents in the Upper Canyon area and near the Rio Ruidoso were forced to evacuate this past weekend, according to the Village of Ruidoso’s Facebook page.
A village spokesperson said 26 swift water rescues were conducted on Saturday, June 29, and 51 water rescues were conducted on Sunday, June 30. However, there were no fatalities.
The El Paso Fire Water Rescue Team was deployed to Ruidoso on Sunday to assist with the flooding.
The Forestry Division says the large amount of rain also suppressed remaining heat sources.
The South Fork Fire is estimated at 17,569 acres with 84 percent containment and the Salt Fire is estimated at 7,939 acres with also 84 percent containment, the Forestry Division said Monday.
Crews working on the fires will focus on flood mitigation on Monday, the Forestry Division said.
A shelter is available at White Mountain Relief Center located at 687 Hull Road. The American Red Cross is at the shelter and will provide food service, the Village said.
The American Red Cross says 66 residents were at the shelter Sunday night, along with 18 pets.
The American Red Cross also says 1,957 overnight residents stayed at Red Cross and independent shelters since June 17 and they have served over 10,000 meals.
As of Monday morning, the Village of Ruidoso says the following roads are closed:
Cree Meadows at Wiley Road
Cree Meadows at Hull Road
Gavilan Canyon between Meander and Sutton
Main road into the Upper Canyon
The village also says sandbags are available at the following locations:
Wingfield Park located at 300 Center Street
Ruidoso Fire Department Station 2 located at 606 White Mountain Drive
Ruidoso Downs Senior Center located at 393 US HWY 70
Copper Ridge located at 111 Copper Ridge Road
For more information on the flooding, click here: Severe flooding prompts evacuations | Village of Ruidoso.
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