"The main reason was the South Fork Fire last year that burned directly west of Ruidoso," Grzywacz said. "The soil wasn't able to absorb any of the rainfall, and it runs right down into Ruidoso. Normally, if you had that vegetation still there, it could absorb it. For the Ruidoso monsoon season, it was above average rain but not record rainfall."

Lujan Grisham said that Ruidoso never received the $12 million it was promised after the wildfires last year, and an extra $3 million is expected to be added to that sum in regards to the recent flooding.

RUIDOSO – Days after the most destructive flood in Ruidoso’s history, New Mexico’s U.S. Sens. Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Lujan were given a tour of the worst-affected areas, from the Upper Canyon to Ruidoso Downs Racetrack.

A starting gate at the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino sits quiet and empty on Thursday as crews continue to clean up and move horses at the site. The All American Futurity, held anually at the site and one of the richest races in the country, was moved to Albuquerque.

RUIDOSO, N.M. (AP) — The loss of three lives to flash flooding in the mountain village of Ruidoso is “unfathomable and unfair,” New Mexico’s governor said Thursday, as surveys revealed more extensive damage to homes than initially thought.

As residents and businesspeople in Ruidoso assess the damage caused by heavy and dangerous flooding, others can find ways to help. Here is what to know.

Officials say that upwards of 50 homes were damaged by Tuesday's flooding. Emergency crews are working to clear debris.

RUIDOSO – Flooding from rains along the burn scars of last year’s South Fork and Salt fires caused major damage and destruction along the Ruidoso River Tuesday, washing away homes, trapping people in structures, and flooding Ruidoso Downs Racetrack.