Local authorities brief the press after devastating Texas floods.

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.

The data also highlights critical risks in other areas along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, revealing more than twice as many Americans live in flood prone areas than FEMA's maps show.

Secretary Kristi Noem responded to a CNN report alleging she has slowed response efforts following the catastrophic Texas floods, calling the claims 'absolutely trash.'

If your home or community is at risk of flooding, here are some important steps experts say you can take to stay safe before, during and after a flood.

El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson expressed condolences following the Tuesday, July 8, flash flood in Ruidoso that killed three people, including two children from a Fort Bliss family.

Back-to-back flooding disasters in recent years — in Texas, New Mexico and Kentucky, among many others — have showed that preparing for flash flooding is a new necessity as the planet warms.

Volunteers with Samaritan's Purse are helping flood victims in central Texas with hard work and lots of prayer. (Credit: Derek Shook for Fox News Digital, Samaritan's Purse)