Flash floods kill 3 in Ruidoso, New Mexico

At least three people, including two children, have died after torrential rain triggered flash flooding in the village of Ruidoso, New Mexico, officials confirmed on Tuesday evening.

Up to 8.8cm (3.5 inches) of rain fell in a short period, causing the Ruidoso River to surge to historic levels. Though waters have since receded, the aftermath has left a trail of devastation across the mountainous village.

The victims — a man and two children — were swept downstream during the height of the flooding. Their bodies were later recovered by rescue teams, local authorities said.

Emergency crews carried out more than 50 swift water rescues across the area as rising waters inundated roads and homes, forcing residents to flee to higher ground. Officials say the sudden deluge caught many by surprise.

“The situation escalated quickly,” said Kerry Gladden, a spokesperson for the Village of Ruidoso. “Search and rescue teams are still in the field, and we’ve established a hotline for anyone searching for missing loved ones.”

At least three people have been treated for injuries at the local hospital, Ms Gladden confirmed in a statement.

The National Weather Service had issued flash flood warnings earlier in the day, but the volume of rainfall overwhelmed local infrastructure. Social media images from the scene showed cars submerged, debris-strewn streets, and swollen creeks that had turned into raging torrents.

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham expressed her condolences to the victims’ families and said state resources were being deployed to assist the affected community.

Officials continue to assess the damage and are urging residents to remain cautious. “We may be past the peak, but danger still exists with unstable terrain and debris,” Ms Gladden said.

This is the latest in a string of severe weather events to hit the southwestern United States this summer, with experts warning that climate change is likely increasing the frequency and intensity of flash flooding in the region.