An emergency has been declared in Ruidoso, New Mexico, as the community faces significant flash flooding due to heavy rains, particularly impacting areas scarred by previous wildfires. Multiple rescues are underway, with reports of homes being swept away by rapidly rising waters in just 30 minutes. Residents are urged to move to higher ground immediately as evacuation shelters are opened in Lincoln County. The National Weather Service has indicated that the situation is dire, with widespread flooding affecting both Ruidoso and surrounding areas. Experts warn that New Mexico may need to brace for more destructive flooding in the future, highlighting the unpredictability of severe weather in the region.