RUIDOSO, N.M. (KRQE) – Several soldiers in the New Mexico Army National Guard rescued four elderly Ruidoso residents from a flash flood on Saturday.
Six soldiers were moving heavy equipment out of a creek near homes located on the South Fork burn scar when four people signaled them in distress.
Four of the soldiers created safety lines out of ratchet straps. The other two then crossed the rising water toward those who were stranded.
The two carried all four elderly people to safety on higher ground. Just a few minutes later, the water level reached more than 6 feet high.
I’m proud of our Soldiers for acting so quickly to save lives in what was a dangerous situation. This is what we train for and have a lot of experience in. I’m just thankful we were there to help our fellow New Mexicans in their time of need.
Maj. Gen. Miguel Aguilar, the NM National Guard’s Adjutant General
The Village of Ruidoso also warns residents of more flash flooding in the area on Sunday, even issuing an evacuation.
