Local News
Catastrophic Flash Flood Emergency: Rio Ruidoso in New Mexico Rises 17 Feet in 20 Minutes
RUIDOSO, NM — A flash flood emergency has been declared in Ruidoso, New Mexico, after the Rio Ruidoso River surged approximately 20 feet in just 30 minutes Tuesday afternoon, causing catastrophic flooding and sweeping away structures in its path.
The flooding began around 3:00 p.m. in the Upper Canyon area of the Rio Ruidoso following intense rainfall and rapid runoff over the Salt Fire burn scar, a result of last year’s wildfire.
BREAKING: The Rio Ruidoso River at Hollywood, NM has risen 20 feet in 30 minutes! Flash flood emergency. Up on Brady Canyon Rd. The water rose 8 ft in a matter of minutes.#nmwxhttps://t.co/TKKk6QXeiT pic.twitter.com/982PvRRC0T— News Channel3 Now (@newschannel3now) July 8, 2025
The combination of scorched terrain and heavy monsoon rains has created extremely hazardous conditions throughout the region.
Dramatic footage shared on social media shows a home being carried downstream by raging floodwaters, with water levels inundating streets and washing away vehicles.
Many residents and observers have described the flooding as the worst in recent memory, with some calling it unprecedented.
The wild horses that often graze along the riverbanks were reportedly seen retreating to higher ground — a sign locals have come to associate with incoming natural danger.
Officials are urging all residents and visitors in Ruidoso and downstream communities to seek higher ground immediately, avoid low-lying areas, and monitor alerts from the National Weather Service and local emergency management.
This situation remains extremely dangerous and life-threatening, and authorities caution that the aftermath of this event will likely persist for years, especially due to the environmental instability caused by the Salt Fire burn scar.
If you have loved ones in the area, please check on their safety and urge them to follow all evacuation or emergency directives.
EAST AURORA, N.Y. — Emergency crews responded to the Aurora Theatre at 673 Main Street in the Village of East Aurora on Sunday following a ceiling collapse inside the historic building while students and chaperones were present.
Officials said construction activity inside the two-story brick structure led to a portion of the ceiling giving way during a scheduled event.
At the time of the incident, approximately 68 students and adult chaperones were inside the theater.
First responders confirmed there was no entrapment and the collapse was limited in scope.
Emergency Medical Services evaluated six pediatric patients for minor injuries at the scene. No serious injuries were reported.
Fire and safety officials secured the area and conducted a structural assessment to ensure the remainder of the building was safe.
Authorities said the incident remains under review, including the circumstances surrounding the construction work that preceded the collapse.
Further information will be released as the investigation continues.