Another afternoon of heavy rainfall has prompted flash flooding in the southern New Mexico mountain village of Ruidoso.

Heavy rain and flash floods caused five water rescues and multiple evacuations in southeastern New Mexico, less than a month after flooding in the same area killed three people.

Shortly after the largest wildfire in New Mexico history, a flash flood in July 2022 sent water raging through burn-scarred Tecolote Creek in rural San Miguel County.

Water has receded but continues to surround many homes and properties, contaminated with trash, animal feces, dead insects and oil. The Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners are holding a special meeting to discuss a potential disaster declaration.

The flash flood warning is in effect until 3:30 p.m., on Thursday, July 24, and includes Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs and Hollywood, New Mexico.

The ingredients that led to the Hill Country disaster — steep terrain, swollen rivers and unsuspecting people in harm’s way — are not unique to Texas.

President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration for New Mexico to help communities recovering from flooding.

Search teams, including fire crews and swift water rescue teams, are combing through neighborhoods in Vado to ensure residents are accounted for.