Texas just got hit with deadly flooding, with the death count in the 100s. It swept away summer camps and entire towns. Now, New Mexico just got hit with the same thing. This is a quick, simple recap on the tragedy that unfolded on Tuesday.

What Happened?

Flash flooding has just hit Ruidoso, New Mexico, with Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham declaring a state of emergency for the village. Just last year, it was impacted heavily by the wildfires.

So far, three people have been announced dead in this town in southern New Mexico after heavy rainfall led to flash flooding on Tuesday.

Lynn Crawford, mayor of Ruidoso, said in a statement a 40-50 year old man, 4 year old girl, and a 7 year old boy were "caught in rushing floodwaters and carried downstream during the catastrophic flooding event that saw the Rio Ruidoso rise to a record-breaking 20 feet – five feet higher than the previous record."

According to the statement, the heavy rainfall fell onto "burn scar areas" from the wildfire that led to water quickly rising throughout the town. "The burn scar was unable to absorb a lot of the rain, as water quickly ran downhill into the river," according to AP News

Image Credit: Qwexcxewq from Wikimedia

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What is Being Done?

During the event, emergency crews conducted at least 85 swift water rescues, including those trapped in cars and their homes, according to Danielle Silva of the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Search and rescue operations still continue.

They've opened up the Community Center as short-term housing for those displaced.

According to the New York Times, "Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham [has also] asked the federal government to send response teams and resources to help with repairs."

Gov. Grisham believes Ruidoso is in need of support from the federal government to recover from the tragedy.

“We’ve watched Texas receive the federal resources they desperately needed, and Ruidoso deserves that same urgent response,” she said in a statement.

Image Credit: RDNE Stock project from Pexels

What Can Teens Do To Help?

If you're interested in helping the many victims of these floods, here are some resources to do so.

1. Donate to aid organizations

Consider donating to reputable aid organizations, such as the American Red Cross in Arizona and New Mexico, the Salvation Army in New Mexico, and Greater Good Charities. They all provide disaster and flood relief and are actively involved in efforts to distribute donations to where it's needed the most.

If you're in the area, you can drop off donations at these locations in the Ruidoso area.

2. Volunteer your time (with caution)

You can work with established organizations, but volunteering by yourself can be dangerous and counterproductive, so it's important to work with specific organizations that can coordinate volunteers effectively and make sure everything's done safely.

You can, for example, volunteer with FEMA's Volunteer Agency Liaison (VALs). They connect with and coordinate the efforts of voluntary, faith based, and community organizations, making sure that volunteers are properly equipped and trained.

3. Support local efforts

If you own a business that can offer services like debris removal or construction, you can contact the local government to see how you can help.

Additionally, you can provide safe, dry, temporary shelter for families displaced by the floods. Serve hot meals and water, have things for kids to do, ensure people with disabilities get the proper aid and help they need, distribute clean up supplies. There's a lot you can do just from your own home.

These floods are a tragedy, but there are many teens from all over the world who can help the victims of this disaster.