A man and two children were killed in a record-breaking flash flood that swept through a village in New Mexico on Tuesday, local officials said.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency for the village of Ruidoso, in an area that was scarred by wildfires last year.

RUIDOSO, N.M. — Severe flooding hit the Ruidoso area Tuesday afternoon, leaving three people dead and buildings, including at least one home, swept away. The Village of Ruidoso identified the three people as a man in their 40s or 50s, a four-year-old girl and a seven-year-old boy.

At least three people died, including two children, after heavy rains triggered flash floods in New Mexico on Tuesday.

The village of Ruidoso is located in the southern part of New Mexico and is a noted vacation spot boasting camping and recreation amid its expansive forest landscape. World Population Review notes the village rose to a total of 7,600 in 2025. That was a decrease of the population by less than 1% in recent years.