Communities across the U.S. Southwest have started clearing mud and checking damage after repeated storms, but swollen rivers and waterlogged ground still threaten flooding, and officials say recovery could take weeks.
A former scientist at a federal weather agency said more than 20 trillion gallons of rain fell across the Four Corners states and Nevada over nearly two weeks. In Pagosa Springs, Colorado, the San Juan River rose to 16.81 feet on Sunday and flooded downtown. A home was swept from its foundation.
Floodwaters damaged roads and buildings. As water levels fell, residents in some areas started cleaning up. Rescue crews remained active, and evacuation orders continued in parts of the region.
At least one person died in floodwaters. Police suspect the weather may have caused another death. In northwestern New Mexico, major rivers remained higher than the level at which flooding begins.
Officials and residents were waiting for water levels to fall. Southwestern Colorado officials began assessing damage from two major floods in just over a week. Homes were lost, and sections of a key highway were damaged.
Some roads and bridges reopened, but officials warned repairs and cleanup would take time.