Heavy rains in southwest Colorado have led to significant flooding and rockslides, triggering evacuations in La Plata County. Local officials have declared a disaster in response to the situation.
Evacuations were ordered around Vallecito Creek as floodwaters spilled over the levee. In total, 383 homes north of Vallecito Lake were evacuated. The area is experiencing severe flooding, particularly in Grimes Creek.
The rain isn’t over yet. Forecasts predict an additional 1-2 inches could fall through Sunday. County Manager Kevin Hall warned that there’s a real threat of serious damage to homes and infrastructure. Six bridges and electrical infrastructure from the La Plata Electric Association are at risk.
To manage the crisis, Hall declared a local disaster in unincorporated La Plata County. This is aimed at securing more funding and resources from the state. The county commissioners will discuss extending the declaration beyond the initial seven days at their meeting on October 14.
The flooding situation mirrors trends seen in recent years, where extreme weather events are becoming more common. Research indicates that heavy rainfall has increased by about 10% over the past few decades due to climate change. Communities need to adapt to these changing conditions and prepare for future emergencies.
As we follow this unfolding story, it’s important to consider how local governments manage and respond to such crises and the lessons we can learn for the future.
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