The flash flood emergency was declared about 3 p.m. on Tuesday by the National Weather Service in Albuquerque.

Flash flooding from torrential rain hit Ruidoso, New Mexico, on Tuesday, killing at least three people and prompting dozens of rescues, officials said. A house was seen being carried downstream by the fast-moving water a year after the same area was devastated by two wildfires.

Mayor Lynn Crawford said hearts are broken over the lives lost and stomachs are in knots as residents begin to take stock of the damage.