PAGOSA SPRINGS, Colorado – Severe flooding in southwestern United States has swept away homes, damaged roads and bridges, and forced evacuations after days of heavy rainfall caused rivers to overflow.
In Pagosa Springs, Colorado, dramatic footage captured a house being carried downstream by raging floodwaters along the San Juan River before crashing into a pedestrian bridge and breaking apart.
The incident occurred on Monday, November 2, as flooding continued to affect several parts of Archuleta County.
According to local media reports, the rising river also damaged infrastructure, washed away sections of roads and disrupted access to several neighbourhoods.
The San Juan River reached a reported level of 16.8 feet on Sunday evening, exceeding the previous flood peak recorded in the area. However, officials indicated that the actual peak could have been higher after a monitoring sensor temporarily stopped working.
Residents in low-lying areas were ordered to evacuate as authorities responded to the emergency, while several roads and bridges were closed because of flood damage.
The flooding has also affected nearby communities, including Durango, where homes and other properties were inundated with water and mud.
Authorities have been assessing the damage and coordinating recovery efforts as floodwaters begin to recede in some areas.
The destruction has highlighted the dangers posed by rapidly rising rivers and prolonged heavy rainfall, particularly in communities located near waterways.
Residents have been urged to stay away from flooded areas and follow safety instructions issued by emergency authorities.
