Colorado deploys National Guard as flood disaster declaration expands to 12 counties

Colorado Governor Jared Polis expanded a flood disaster emergency declaration to include 12 counties in the southwest region of the state, KKTV reported. KKTV, Denver7, and cedarnews.net all report that the governor expanded the order after floodwaters left about 100 people evacuated and many others stranded in their homes. [1][2][3]

According to KKTV, Governor Polis first issued a verbal disaster declaration for 11 counties: La Plata, Archuleta, Montezuma, Dolores, Hinsdale, San Miguel, Ouray, San Juan, Mineral, Alamosa, and Rio Grande. His office later announced that Conejos County was added to the disaster declaration. [1]

KKTV and cedarnews.net both report that the disaster declaration unlocks state resources to assist local communities, including the deployment of approximately 100 National Guard members. [1][3]

Polis has served as the 43rd governor of Colorado since 2019. The National Guard provides military ground support, combat, and logistical capabilities across all 50 U.S. states, including assistance during disaster emergencies. [4][7]