Heavy rainfall has caused widespread damage and water rescues. This weekend's calmer forecast may bring some relief.

The mountain village of Ruidoso has returned to the grim rituals of rebuilding from flash flooding. Crews are working to clear twisted metal, broken trees and muddy debris from streets and homes days after monsoon rains triggered a deadly flash flood in southern New Mexico.

Shortly after the largest wildfire in New Mexico history, a flash flood in July 2022 sent water raging through burn-scarred Tecolote Creek in rural San Miguel County.

The two children were identified as Charlotte Trotter, 4, and Sebastian Trotter, 7, according to their aunt Tiffanie Wyatt. She said their father, Sebastian Trotter, a solder based at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, and their mother, Stephanie, both suffered serious injuries but survived and were receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Texas.

Water has receded but continues to surround many homes and properties, contaminated with trash, animal feces, dead insects and oil. The Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners are holding a special meeting to discuss a potential disaster declaration.

The flash flood warning is in effect until 3:30 p.m., on Thursday, July 24, and includes Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs and Hollywood, New Mexico.

The ingredients that led to the Hill Country disaster — steep terrain, swollen rivers and unsuspecting people in harm’s way — are not unique to Texas.