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300 evacuated from New Mexico flooding

About 300 people were evacuated from homes, campgrounds and a recreational vehicle park Sunday after flooding caused by the remnants of Hurricane Dolly. Two people were reported missing in the water.
Floodwaters destroy yards and fences at River Ranch RV Park, along Highway 70 between Glencoe and Ruidoso Downs, N.M. on Sunday. The remnants of Hurricane Dolly dumped an estimated six inches of rain on the mountainous area.
Floodwaters destroy yards and fences at River Ranch RV Park, along Highway 70 between Glencoe and Ruidoso Downs, N.M. on Sunday. The remnants of Hurricane Dolly dumped an estimated six inches of rain on the mountainous area.AP
/ Source: The Associated Press

About 300 people were evacuated from homes, campgrounds and a recreational vehicle park Sunday after flooding caused by the remnants of Hurricane Dolly. Two people were reported missing in the water.

Meteorologists said more than 6 inches of rain fell in the mountainous area, and flash flood watches were in effect for central and eastern New Mexico.

The Rio Ruidoso went over its banks about midnight, said Tom Schafer, Ruidoso's emergency management coordinator.

"Water's just going everywhere," Schafer said.

Ruidoso police took reports of the two being swept away in separate incidents after apparently losing their footing near the river, said Ruidoso's emergency management coordinator, Tom Schafer. He didn't have additional details.

State officials estimated more than 60 homes have been damaged.

A police helicopter was sent to rescue people reported to be standing on buildings and vehicles, but no one was found, state Department of Public Safety spokesman Peter Olson said. A dive team was also sent to rescue people from the flooded areas, he said.

Campers caught off guard
Earlier, four people were rescued after being trapped by rising water, but no one was seriously injured, Schafer said.

People evacuated from the Bonito Creek Campground was sent to a nearby church, he said.

This photo provided by Ruidoso News shows the damage caused by flooding at the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack in Ruidoso Downs, N.M. on July 27, 2008. An attempt by Peppers Pride, a New Mexico mare, to go for a record 17 victories in 17 starts was delayed after the flooded track forced Ruidoso Downs to cancel Sunday's races. About 300 people were evacuated from homes, campgrounds and a recreational vehicle park as flooding hit around the resort town of Ruidoso, after the remnants of Hurricane Dolly dumped an estimated six inches on the mountainous area. (AP Photo/Mike Curran, Ruidoso News) **NO SALES**
This photo provided by Ruidoso News shows the damage caused by flooding at the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack in Ruidoso Downs, N.M. on July 27, 2008. An attempt by Peppers Pride, a New Mexico mare, to go for a record 17 victories in 17 starts was delayed after the flooded track forced Ruidoso Downs to cancel Sunday's races. About 300 people were evacuated from homes, campgrounds and a recreational vehicle park as flooding hit around the resort town of Ruidoso, after the remnants of Hurricane Dolly dumped an estimated six inches on the mountainous area. (AP Photo/Mike Curran, Ruidoso News) **NO SALES**Mike Curran / Ruidoso News

Most of the 40 or so people who showed up at the Angus Hill Church of the Nazarene were campers "who just came up for a nice weekend" and were flooded out, said Sue Hutchinson, who operates a first aid clinic at the church.

Some campers said they awakened when their tents began floating down the river, Hutchinson said.

Several bridges and roads in the area were closed, including part of U.S. 70.

Part of the race track at Ruidoso Downs flooded, canceling the entire Sunday race card.

"The race track is a river. I've never seen it like this here," trainer Joel Marr said.