Three have died in the flash flooding that began Tuesday afternoon.
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an emergency declaration on Tuesday night after a thunderstorm brought torrential rains that caused flash flooding. At least 85 water rescues were conducted due to the flooding. As Rio Ruidoso rose to a major flood stage of 20 feet and swept away houses, a man and two children were known casualties. The area was especially vulnerable, since it was previously burn scarred due to wildfires.
“New Mexico is mobilizing every resource we have, but Ruidoso needs federal support to recover from this disaster. We’ve watched Texas receive the federal resources they desperately needed, and Ruidoso deserves that same urgent response,” Governor Grisham stated. She highlighted the need “to get federal response teams and repair resources on the ground immediately.”
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued warnings Tuesday, stating, “Significant rainfall and water/debris flow is occurring! This is a life-threatening situation, move to higher ground immediately!”
The NWS has lifted the flash flood emergency declaration, but a flood watch remains in effect until Wednesday evening.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For federal, state, and local officials to be discerning as they deploy resources to help the flooded region.
- For the safety of first responders and rescue teams as they search for survivors and assist those trapped by flood waters.
- For God’s comfort for those who have lost loved ones in the flooding.
Sources: Axios, CNN
