The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem has announced an additional $11.4 million in disaster relief funding to support recovery efforts in Ruidoso, New Mexico, following devastating floods in July that claimed three lives. The announcement was made during her visit to Ruidoso, one of the hardest-hit areas by the disaster.
This new allocation builds on previously announced aid, which included $3.1 million in upfront funding and the deployment of over 160 emergency management staff to assist in recovery efforts. Following President Trump’s approval of both an Emergency Disaster Declaration and a Major Disaster Declaration, another $2.9 million was released to help families rebuild their lives.
The July floods were triggered by sudden heavy rainfall that caused the Rio Ruidoso to rise an unprecedented 20 feet in just 30 minutes, resulting in widespread destruction and tragic loss of life. The additional funding will be directed toward repairing critical infrastructure such as roads and bridges, clearing debris, and providing direct assistance to affected families.
According to Secretary Noem, the rapid mobilization of resources reflects the Trump Administration’s commitment to making federal emergency management faster, leaner, and more effective by streamlining processes and cutting unnecessary bureaucracy. She emphasized that the federal government will continue standing with New Mexico until recovery is fully achieved.
