Las Vegas steps up: Northern New Mexico city organizes relief drive for flood-devastated Ruidoso

Communities unite as deadly flooding claims three lives including two children

In a powerful display of New Mexico solidarity, the City of Las Vegas is mobilizing relief efforts for the mountain village of Ruidoso following catastrophic flooding that killed three people, including two young children.

The flooding, which struck Tuesday afternoon when the Rio Ruidoso rose to a record-breaking 20 feet, devastated the popular tourist destination already vulnerable from last year’s South Fork and Salt fires. The victims included 4-year-old Charlotte Trotter and 7-year-old Sebastian Trotter, children of a Fort Bliss soldier, along with an unidentified man approximately 40-50 years old.

Las Vegas remembers kindness received

City officials in Las Vegas, located in northern New Mexico’s San Miguel County, said they wanted to return the kindness others gave to them during their own times of crisis. The city has already committed to sending 10 pallets of bottled water to Ruidoso and is organizing a community donation drive to collect essential supplies.

“The flash flooding occurred Tuesday afternoon when heavy monsoonal rains fell on burn scar areas from last year’s South Fork and Salt fires, creating dangerous conditions that led to rapid water rise throughout the village,” Ruidoso officials reported. The disaster prompted 85 swift-water rescues as residents found themselves trapped in trees, homes, and floodwaters.

Donation drive details

The City of Las Vegas is accepting donations from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Las Vegas Public Works Department, located at 1700 N. Grand Avenue. Officials emphasized that monetary donations will not be accepted – only physical supplies will be collected for direct distribution to affected families.

Essential items needed include:

• Wet wipes and baby wipes
• Diapers (all sizes)
• Feminine hygiene products
• Toothpaste and toothbrushes
• Hand sanitizer
• Clorox (disinfecting) wipes
• Laundry detergent
• Dish soap
• Dog and cat food

A community still reeling

The flooding’s impact was particularly severe in areas like the Gavilan Trailer Park and Riverside RV Park, where the three victims were swept downstream. Dramatic footage captured an entire house with a turquoise door floating down the swollen river, later identified as belonging to a local family who fortunately survived.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an emergency declaration to mobilize federal response teams and resources. As cleanup efforts continue and Ruidoso prepares for potential additional monsoon rains, the support from communities like Las Vegas provides crucial assistance to families who lost everything in minutes.

The donation drive represents not just material support but a reminder that New Mexico communities stand together in times of crisis, returning kindness when neighbors need it most.

Image Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/las-vegas-holding-donation-drive-031125410.html

Category: State News
Subcategory: Community Support
Date: 07/10/2025