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The Village of Ruidoso has issued an "immediate evacuation" order after flash flooding was reported on the Rio Ruidoso Sunday afternoon, June 30, the Village of Ruidoso said on its Facebook page.

"Flash flooding is ongoing on the Rio Ruidoso and has the potential to impact the Midtown district. The Ruidoso Office of Emergency Management has issued an immediate evacuation and move to higher ground. Evacuate immediately to higher ground. Do not delay leaving to gather any belongings. Get to higher ground NOW," the Village said in a post.

A shelter is available at White Mountain Relief Center at 687 Hull Road.

The Red Cross is at the shelter with a "fully functioning operation" with shelter and food service, the Village said.



A flash flood warning has been issued by the National Weather Service until 8 p.m. Sunday for the areas impacted by the South Fork and Salt fires, the Village of Ruidoso said.

The Village also issued another evacuation order for the Upper Canyon area, which was evacuated Saturday after flash floods hit the area that day.

"It is important to understand that many hazards exist including debris in the roadway, heavy mud, and unstable trees," the Village said on an earlier social media post.

Village officials said they conducted 26 swift water rescues during Saturday's flash floods, but there were no fatalities.

"The Upper Canyon bridge structures are intact, and crews will begin repairing the bridge guardrails today (Sunday)," the Village added.

More rain is expected Sunday afternoon, the Village said, and it is urging people to be safe and be aware of their surroundings.

Here are the roads that have been closed because of Sunday's flooding as of about 5:30 p.m.:

* Mechem and Brady Canyon

* Gavilan Canyon between Sutton and Meander

* Paradise Canyon

* Cree Meadows and Hull

* Cree Meadows and Wiley

* Highway 70 in both directions at Sudderth

Sand bags are available for Village of Ruidoso residents at Fire Station 2, 606 White Mountain Dr.

The El Paso Fire Water Rescue Team has been deployed to Ruidoso to assist with the flooding.

"Our team is working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of the community," the El Paso Fire Department said about the deployment on its X account.

The South Fork and Salt wildfires have burned more than 25,000 acres. Residents were allowed to return home last week.

Flooding, however, on Saturday forced some to have to evacuate, especially people close to the Rio Ruidoso and in the Upper Canyon area.