August 21, 2025 — Federal disaster relief has been extended to more communities in southern New Mexico following last month’s destructive monsoon flooding that left three people dead in Ruidoso and caused widespread damage in Doña Ana County.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that residents of Doña Ana and Otero counties, as well as the Mescalero Apache Nation, are now eligible for federal aid. Assistance will cover housing needs for individuals and families, while local governments and tribal authorities can apply for funds to repair infrastructure such as bridges, sewer systems, and water lines.
Deadly July Floods Spur Federal Response
The declaration comes after two major flood events in July. On July 9, heavy rains over burn scars from the 2024 Salt and South Fork wildfires triggered flash floods in Ruidoso, sweeping away cars and homes, and tragically killing three people — including two children. Just two weeks later, on July 22, monsoon storms drenched the colonias near Vado in Doña Ana County, inundating more than 100 homes and damaging key utilities.
Forecasters say the risk isn’t over. With fire-scorched soils unable to absorb water, even moderate rain in the Sacramento Mountains could trigger new flooding. “We’re seeing rainfall rates of one to two inches an hour in our models,” said Todd Shoemake, a lead forecaster with the National Weather Service in Albuquerque.
FEMA Aid Already Flowing
According to FEMA, more than $2.7 million in assistance has already been approved for flood victims across New Mexico. Roughly $1.6 million of that amount is dedicated to housing relief, and so far 235 households have received federal support.
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The disaster declaration was amended on August 16 to expand eligibility, allowing governments in Lincoln, Doña Ana, and Otero counties — along with the Mescalero Apache Tribe — to apply for reimbursement of permanent repairs. Local officials estimate infrastructure damages in the tens of millions of dollars, making federal funds essential for long-term recovery.
How Residents Can Apply
New Mexicans impacted by the flooding can submit requests for federal aid at disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362. After applying, some residents may be contacted to schedule an inspection so FEMA can verify disaster-related losses.
As communities begin the difficult process of rebuilding, state and local leaders emphasize that the combination of wildfire scars, intense monsoon rains, and aging infrastructure leaves southern New Mexico especially vulnerable. Federal dollars, they say, will be critical in helping families, tribal nations, and municipalities recover from one of the most damaging monsoon seasons in recent history.
