At least three dead in New Mexico flash flooding

BBC:

At least three people are dead in the village of Ruidoso, New Mexico after heavy rain caused flash flooding.

Up to 8.8cm (3.5in) of rain fell, causing the Ruidoso river to rise to an historic level. The floodwaters have now receded.

A man and two children died after being swept downstream, local officials confirmed on Tuesday evening.

The disaster comes after flooding in the neighbouring US state of Texas left at least 111 people dead, according to the latest toll published by US media. A further 161 people are still missing in one county alone, Governor Greg Abbott said on Tuesday.

In New Mexico, Ruidoso village spokesperson Kerry Gladden told the BBC’s US partner CBS News that search and rescue crews were still out in the field, and a hotline had been set up for people looking for missing family members.

Emergency crews in Ruidoso carried out at least 50 swift water rescues in the area, with residents urged to move to higher ground.

Three people had been treated for injuries at the local hospital, Ms Gladden said in a statement.

Social media footage captured by local artist Kaitlyn Carpenter showed at least one house being swept away by floodwaters, with Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford unable to confirm how many homes had been lost.

Speaking on a local radio station, Mr Crawford said: “It got ugly really quick”.