Haaland Helps Prepare Meals, Unloads Donations, Delivers Supplies in Ruidoso

RUIDOSO, N.M. – Today, Deb Haaland assisted with disaster recovery response following historic flooding in Ruidoso. She helped volunteers prepare meals and unloaded truckloads of donations as the community continues to recover from serious flooding and prepares for more rain. Haaland’s team also donated shovels, rakes, work gloves and other tools the community needs to continue their efforts. Haaland’s visit comes as the Trump administration’s cuts to the National Weather Service and FEMA have left New Mexicans without critical information and support during an urgent time of need.

“The people of Ruidoso have shown incredible strength and resilience in the face of today’s crisis and the crises they’ve experienced in recent years,” Haaland said. “I’m here to do what I can as a neighbor to assist their recovery efforts because that’s what New Mexicans do. As Governor, I’ll bring my experience as Secretary in disaster recovery, prevention, and preparation to every community in New Mexico.

The flooding in Ruidoso has caused significant damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure throughout the community and has taken the lives of several New Mexicans. Residents have been working around the clock to protect their properties and help their neighbors, but the federal government’s failure to maintain emergency services has left them without crucial resources and information during the crisis.

“While families in Ruidoso are fighting to save their homes and livelihoods from floodwaters, the Trump administration has abandoned them,” Haaland continued. “New Mexicans deserve better than being left behind when disaster strikes.”As the former Secretary of the Interior, Haaland consistently advocated for robust emergency preparedness capabilities for rural and underserved communities. She continues to emphasize her hands-on approach and her commitment to being accessible to New Mexicans across all 33 counties, especially during times of crisis. She also shared resources directly with New Mexicans to help with the rebuild in Ruidoso.