Governor Jared Polis expands flood disaster emergency to 12 southwest Colorado counties – Denver7

Governor Jared Polis expands flood disaster emergency to 12 southwest Colorado counties  Denver7

DENVER — Gov. Jared Polis has added Conejos County to a disaster emergency declaration for flooding in southwest Colorado, bringing the order to 12 counties, as about 100 people have evacuated and many others are stranded in their homes by floodwaters, his office said.Polis first declared the disaster emergency verbally in 11 counties: La Plata, Archuleta, Montezuma, Dolores, Hinsdale, San Miguel, Ouray, San Juan, Mineral, Alamosa and Rio Grande. He then amended the verbal order to include Conejos County, according to a news release from his office.Watch Denver7's latest update on this story in the video below: The declaration unlocks state resources, including authorizing unarmed members of the Colorado National Guard, the release said. The state is also coordinating with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe on flooding affecting tribal land.Polis thanked first responders and urged residents to follow emergency orders.“I urge Coloradans in Southwest Colorado to follow emergency orders and ensure you prioritize your and your family’s safety,” Polis said.The State Emergency Operations Center is coordinating the response, the release said.

State officials said:Colorado Search and Rescue groups have been deployed.The Department of Natural Resources is supporting swiftwater rescue.Helicopters from the Division of Fire Prevention and Control are helping people stranded by the flooding.Colorado State Patrol troopers and four Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management area field managers are