By now you have probably heard about the flooding in the Ruidoso area. Several New Mexico news channels have been giving this rare event excellent coverage, and I wanted to provide links to some of those sites which have given the best news coverage, photos, and videos.
Additional links to the Ruidoso flood coverage:
YouTube Videos - Ruidoso Flood
This is a devastating situation for those who live or own property right on the Ruidoso River or Bonito River. Early estimates are that about 350 homes were severely damaged. Numerous residents, visitors, and campers, were stranded when bridges and roads were completely washed away. Rescue efforts have relocated most of those folks to safety, while the rebuilding and cleanup has begun in the hard hit areas along the river.
In Ruidoso, bridges at the following locations are either destroyed or closed due to damage:
Country Club, Eagle, Close, North Loop, River Road/River Crossing, first and second bridge in Upper Canyon, North Grindstone, Valencia, McDaniels, Fox and Main, Sleepy Hollow.
Getting around town will be a bit challenging until the bridges are repaired. Ruidoso Downs Racetrack also experienced flooding, but has stated it will plan on being open for the first weekend in August. Governor Richardson has already declared a state of emergency, so I am sure the Village will receive some help with clean up and repair costs.
The New Mexico Dept. of Homeland Security, along with FEMA, and other agencies are also assisting the Village of Ruidoso.
I thought it would only be fair however, to let those of you who might own property here know that the majority of the county was not affected. I drove through the Alto area, Alpine Village, White Mountain Estates and a few other areas on Sunday. Other than receiving heavy rainfall and debris washed on to some low lying areas, there was little if any damage in these areas.
The main devastation were homes and RVs located in the flood plain of the Ruidoso River. I have lived here 17 years and could never have imagined the 100 ft wide, boiling, raging water that was roaring down our normally peaceful little stream. According to the weather forecast, more rain is possible in the coming days, as our normal summer monsoon season continues, so we are all keeping our fingers crossed that we won’t have additional damage to the affected areas.
I’ll keep you posted as more information becomes available, for for now, don’t worry if you own a home in the area. If it is not on the river, chances are very good that it has not been damaged.
If you have questions or would like more specific information on Ruidoso, please contact me at mary@ruidoso-homes.com. For more information on Ruidoso Community and Real estate please visit the Ruidoso blog.
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