KOB 4 News (Albuquerque, NM) reports that yesterday (7/9/2024) roads throughout the Village of Ruidoso, New Mexico, an area recently ravaged by the South Fork Fire, again experience the tragedy of burn scar-related flash flooding.
Ruidoso officials reported the closure of many bridges following actual flooding and a National Weather Service flash flood warning for the area. A local mobile home park was evacuated and multiple gas leaks were reported.
The KOB 4 News article may be read HERE.
KOAT 7 Action News (Albuquerque, NM) reports that all bridges in the Ruidoso area were closed yesterday afternoon and that evacuation orders were issued for Cedar Creek, Upper Canyon, Brady Canyon, and along the Rio Ruidoso and Paradise Canyon.
Heavy rain and flooding is anticipated in Ruidoso again today (7/10/2024), potentially impacting Highway 48, Highway 70, Main Road, Paradise Canyon Road and Gavilan Canyon Road.
The KOAT 7 Action News article may be read HERE.
Chief Meteorologist Grant Tosterud, with KRQE News 13 (Albuquerque, NM), reports that thunderstorms will again develop this afternoon (7/10/2024) across mountain peaks and move to the south, creating a high risk of burn scar-related flash flooding in the Ruidoso, New Mexico area.
The KRQE News 13 weather report may be read in full HERE.
As if the tragedy of the recent wildfires in Ruidoso weren’t bad enough, the seemingly inevitable burn scar-related flooding has become a reality. As the community tries to restore a degree of normality, assure safe drinking water and municipal services, and again encourage visitors to return to the tourist-driven economy of the village, repeated flooding is making things very difficult.
Promised FEMA and State of New Mexico financial assistance, along with the inevitable paperwork and delays, and although greatly appreciated, 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!
FGGAM reported HERE about the loss of two lives during the South Fork Fire, including the beloved, local musician, Patrick Pearson, who died trying to escape the flames at the (now former) Swiss Chalet Inn.
The thing this writer knows with certainty is that we can trust God! He is always faithful (see Psalm 91:2). The Father loves us just like He loves Jesus (see John 17:22-23). All things are possible with God (see Matthew 19:26). The Father hears and answers our prayers when we pray in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus (see Matthew 18:18-19). He brings us peace, safety and restful sleep, even in the face of worldly concerns (see Psalm 4:8). We can always be assured of God’s faithfulness (see 1 Corinthians 1:9) and we should always place our trust in Him – first and foremost (see John 20:31)!
The bible says that we are to take all of our concerns to God in prayer, with thanksgiving in our hearts:
Philippians 4:6 (NKJV)
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God…”.
My brothers and sisters, if you are willing, let’s pray: Father, we humbly come before You today in the name of Jesus. We love You more than words can express. Lord, we need you and we place our trust You. We know that with God, nothing is impossible. Your word says that You love us just as You love Your Son, Jesus, and that You will intervene against the forces of evil on our behalf. So, we ask this day for Your tender mercies upon all who live, work and will 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. And, Lord, may the future be even brighter for Ruidoso and its inhabitants. Amen!
Here are the aforementioned scriptures:
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.’”
John 17:22-23 (NKJV)
The Father Loves Us Just Like He Loves Jesus
“And the glory which You [the Father] gave Me [Jesus] I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me [emphasis mine].”
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.”
1 Corinthians 1:9 (Amplified Bible)
“God is faithful [He is reliable, trustworthy and ever true to His promise—He can be depended on], and through Him you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”
John 20:31 (NLT)
“But these [miracles] are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in [H]im you will have life by the power of [H]is name.”