The Floods — One Year Later

This cool and rainy day brings to mind the pouring rains of one year ago that caused the devastating 2013 floods, one of the largest natural disasters in our state’s history.  Colorado has come a long way in the year since the flooding.  Earlier this week Governor Hickenlooper released a statement commemorating the flood anniversary, which included an update on funding and recovery.  This Saturday, September 13, has been designated by the State as the Colorado United Day of Service, on which citizens are encouraged to assist with the ongoing recovery.

In the wake of the disaster, the State of Colorado set up the new Colorado United website to connect citizens with recovery information and assistance.  The website is still going and includes the latest updates and news, impacted areas, a blog, volunteer opportunities (yes, still needed), a map of the floods, home safety tips, road and travel information, and more.  Other helpful information can be found at the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Flood Resources webpage, which includes a photo gallery of the 2013 floods, and from the Colorado General Assembly’s Flood Disaster Study Committee.  The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has released a very helpful guide, After the Flood:  A Guide to Returning to Your Home and Cleaning Up.  Other environmental recovery resources can be found on CDPHE’s webpage.

There are some encouraging stories.  The State Historical Fund has prepared a video about recovery and restoration of the Lyons Library, which was severely damaged.   This is but one of the many stories of how Coloradans have cleaned up, cleared out, and continued to work toward the renewal of their communities.