SAN JUAN COUNTY, N.M. — Residents displaced by historic flooding in northwestern New Mexico are beginning to return home after officials lifted evacuation orders along the region’s major rivers.
San Juan County leaders announced Wednesday that the San Juan River, Animas River, and La Plata River have all fallen below flood stage, allowing all river-related evacuation orders to be lifted.
The move marks an important milestone in the response to the flooding, but officials caution that recovery efforts are just beginning.
Communities across the region continue to deal with flood-damaged homes, debris-filled streets, damaged infrastructure, and cleanup operations following days of high water.
In Pagosa Springs, Colorado, the San Juan River has returned to normal levels and traffic has resumed on U.S. Highway 160 at the river crossing. However, several downtown streets remain closed as crews continue recovery work.
In Durango, Colorado, officials have reopened access to neighborhoods within city limits, allowing residents to begin removing debris and assessing damage to their properties.
Local agencies and nonprofit organizations continue to seek volunteers to assist with flood recovery efforts. Community volunteers are helping fill sandbags to protect vulnerable homes and businesses from additional flooding, while the American Red Cross is continuing operations at distribution sites serving affected residents.
Emergency officials say the focus has now shifted from evacuation and rescue operations to long-term recovery, including debris removal, infrastructure repair, and assistance for residents working to return to normal.
