More than 500 unaccounted for in Colorado floods
● Beginning on Wednesday, heavy rains have caused unprecedented flooding in the state of Colorado. As of Sunday, there are several confirmed deaths and more than 500 people missing in what is being described as a 500-to-1,000-year flood. The National Weather Service reported that 1.73 inches of rain fell southeast of Denver in less than 30 minutes. Some areas have received more than 15 inches of rain since the flooding began. More rain is expected in the coming week.
● Rains have washed away bridges and roads. Houses have fallen into the rivers. In the Big Thompson Canyon area, Highway 34 has been washed out, cutting off a major route to Estes Park, which, as of Saturday, had only radio communication with the outside world.
● President Barack Obama declared a state of emergency late Saturday, and said federal assistance would be available to the state. So far, however, only a measly $5 million in federal funds has been set aside to aid the victims of the floods. In Boulder County alone, an estimated $150 million will be needed just to repair 100 to 150 miles of roads and 20 to 30 bridges. According to County Transportation Director George Gerstle, it will cost 10 to 15 times the county’s normal annual budget.