Governor Polis Verbally Declares a Disaster Emergency in Response to Heavy Rain and Flooding in Southwestern Colorado

DENVER - Today at 8:36 pm, Governor Polis verbally declared a disaster emergency in response to flooding in La Plata, Archuleta, Montezuma, Dolores, Hinsdale, San Miguel, Ouray, San Juan, Mineral, Alamosa, and Rio Grande counties. Governor Polis is actively monitoring the situation and the Department of Public Safety, Colorado State Patrol, and Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) are coordinating with local emergency managers. The Colorado Department of Transportation is closely monitoring road damage and managing road closures.

Governor Polis's verbal declaration engages the State Emergency Operations Plan and authorizes the use of the Colorado National Guard, including but not limited to air, ground, and engineering assets and unarmed personnel to support flood and debris flow response, evacuation, and search and rescue efforts as deemed necessary by the Colorado Department of Public Safety.

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