Colorado family struggles to recover after historic flooding
By Daniel Espinoza
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PAGOSA SPRINGS, Colorado (KOAT) — Historic flooding in Pagosa Springs has left homes, businesses, and landscapes devastated, with families facing an uncertain path to recovery.
Rushing water, debris, and mud have transformed the town as the San Juan River continues to rage. On Monday, emergency crews worked to rescue those stranded by the flooding.
“I have heard of a few rescues that have taken place. The helicopters just returned a few minutes ago here to the airfield, with some people that had been unable to evacuate last night,” Incident Public Information Officer Vicki Shaffer said.
Across the area, the damage is unmistakable. Sections of the San Juan Riverwalk have been torn apart, parks washed away, and the landscape along the river dramatically altered. For some residents, the destruction is deeply personal.
Josh Trujillo, whose family owns Pagosa Springs RV Park & Cabins, said, “Last week we saw historic levels, and this week it was worse.”
The Trujillo family’s connection to the park dates back to 1995, when Josh’s wife’s grandparents purchased the property. Over the years, it has become a family legacy.
“My wife’s siblings also run it. Our kids at this point have started running it with them. So we’re kind of four generations deep,” Trujillo said.
Now, half of the park is underwater, with electrical and water lines ripped from the ground and some structures collapsing.
Next door, Trujillo’s brother-in-law, Austin Warner, is facing his own challenges. He and his wife bought their home just weeks ago, but after two rounds of flooding, their future is uncertain.
“It started looking repairable. Not really sure what we’re looking at now, though. So yeah, stuff started flowing away this time,” Warner said.
With a baby on the way and winter approaching, Warner hopes their home can still be salvaged.
For Trujillo, rebuilding the family business will be a daunting task.
“It’s never going to look the same. It’s going to be. I don’t know. The road to recovery is going to be long and a lot of work and a lot of money. And, you know, we’re just trying to take one day at a time,” he said.
Despite the losses, Trujillo remains focused on what matters most.
“We have a place to stay. So we have a roof over our heads still, we have food and water and we’re all together. And, you know, ultimately that’s really all that matters at this point,” he said.
Officials have announced that all roads leading into town have reopened, along with bridges on Highway 160 following inspections. However, evacuation orders remain in effect.
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