Massive flooding leaves southwestern US communities devastated

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 3 Nov, 20:02 · Archive

Severe flooding across the southwestern United States has destroyed homes and businesses, with more than 20 trillion gallons of rain falling in two weeks.

Receding floodwaters have left the southwestern United States facing extensive devastation. More than 20 trillion gallons of rain fell on the Four Corners states and Nevada in the past two weeks, according to calculations by former National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration chief scientist Ryan Maue. Communities in Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah have been turned into lakes of mud, with residents dealing with the loss of homes and businesses.

Pagosa Springs, Colorado, was among the hardest hit areas, having experienced two rounds of severe flooding in recent weeks. Jack Ellis, a retired school teacher, said of the damage along the San Juan River: 'This is quite a disaster for everybody, especially in the low-lying areas.' Officials said walkways and bridges in Pagosa Springs collapsed or were heavily damaged, with cleanup and repairs expected to take weeks or more.

One person died in the floodwaters, and police suspect a second death was weather-related. While hundreds of evacuees were returning home, swift-water rescue teams remained busy. Some communities in Colorado and Utah made alternative voting plans because of the flooding, and in Florida, where downpours also swamped parts of the state, polling places were changed in at least eight counties after Governor Ron DeSantis issued an emergency declaration.

How it is being reported

• Receding floodwaters leave a sea of mud and shattered homes in the US SouthwestMassive flooding in the southwestern U.S. has turned communities into lakes of mud, with residents starting cleanup efforts.Clickorlando · 3 Nov, 19:32
• Receding floodwaters leave a sea of mud and shattered homes in the US SouthwestMassive flooding in the southwestern U.S. has turned communities into lakes of mud, with residents starting cleanup efforts.News4Jax · 3 Nov, 19:32

In this story: Pagosa Springs · Colorado · New Mexico · Arizona · Utah · Nevada · Ron DeSantis · San Juan River

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