KOB 4 News (Albuquerque, NM) reported yesterday (7/22/2024) that at least 200 homes have been destroyed by flooding in Ruidoso, which does not include the 1,588 structures destroyed in the recent South Fork and Salt Fires.
According to the Village of Ruidoso’s Public Information Officer Kerry Gladden, “yesterday (7/20/2024) was the worst day of the flooding that we’ve had, as far as the destructiveness of it.” Gladden told KOB 4 News that the back-to-back flooding is not giving crews a chance to mitigate or prevent additional flooding.
For those residents needing to evacuate, the White Mountain Relief Center on Hull Road is available and can hold up to 500 persons. Residents are reminded that FEMA has approved more than $3 million for victims of the South Fork and Salt Fires to assist with flood recovery. The deadline to apply with FEMA is August 19, 2024. Additionally, local residents may apply for grants at disasterassistance.gov.
The KOB 4 News article may be read in full HERE.
Promised FEMA and State of New Mexico financial assistance, does not replace the lifetimes of memories and irreplaceable treasures of ruined homes, lands and lost pets – not to mention the trauma of wondering practically every day during this summer’s monsoon season if this will be the day that flooding wipes out one’s home or belongings. Lord have mercy!
My brothers and sisters, if you are willing, let’s pray: Father, we humbly come before You today in the name of Jesus. We know that with God, nothing is impossible. So, we ask this day for Your tender mercies upon all who live, work and spend time in the Ruidoso area, and that You would protect them from the continued flooding. We ask for the rain to moderate, the soil to stabilize, the vegetation to quickly re-grow, and for the trees to return to a healthy state – so that this flooding would end. We thank You in advance for restoration of the land, clean water and a return of wildlife. And Father, we ask that You would bring comfort to the hurting – as many have lost all of their worldly belongings and their beloved pets. May Your love be shed upon their hearts, as You bring peace, strength and wisdom (as only You can do), enabling all to move forward. Amen!
The bible gives us an assurance of peace and the faithfulness of God, even in times of trouble:
Psalm 91:2 (NKJV)
“I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; [m]y God, in Him I will trust.’”
Matthew 19:26 (NKJV)
“But Jesus looked at them [the disciples] and said to them, ‘[w]ith men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible [emphasis mine].’”
Matthew 18:18-19 (NKJV)
“Assuredly I [Jesus] say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.”
Psalm 4:8 (NKJV)
“I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; [f]or You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”