Uninsured and flooded out, a Colorado man worries if life will be normal again

Uninsured and flooded out, a Colorado man worries if life will be normal again Matthew Martinez has lived nearly all his 60 years on a piece of property on the Navajo River and never saw severe flooding until now. The 62‑year‑old rancher, who owns 15 acres of arid land in the remote San Juan Mountains, is now staring at a swollen river that has scoured his homestead. “I’ve watched this river for generations,” Martinez told reporters from his kitchen, the kitchen table now a makeshift desk amid the debris..

“It’s been steady, it’s been quiet. Today it was like a monster.” The flash flood that struck the region on March 17 was triggered by a sudden, record‑breaking storm that dumped over 12 inches of rain in less than 24 hours. Meteorologists note that this combination of heavy precipitation and the steep, impermeable slopes around the Navajo River has amplified the runoff..

The river, which typically meanders slowly through the high desert, surged past its banks and swept away a section of Martinez’s fence, a small orchard, and the irrigation pipes that keep his crops alive. Insurance companies have long been wary of providing coverage in flood‑prone zones, and Martinez’s policy never included a flood clause. “I had homeowners insurance, but not flood,” he said..

“When the insurance office called, they said they had no liability. It’s like they’re saying the flood is a natural disaster that no one can protect against.” The claim filed last week was denied on the grounds that the flood was not covered under the existing policy, a decision that has left Martinez financially . Local government officials in Montezuma County are grappling with the fallout..

County Commissioner Susan Delgado issued a statement saying the county will consider emergency assistance for affected residents. “We’re reviewing our disaster response plans,” Delgado said. “But we can’t do it alone..

We need federal support and community cooperation.” The state of Colorado is currently evaluating an emergency declaration that would unlock federal funds for rebuilding and infrastructure repair. In the days after the flood, Martinez found his property largely submerged. The river’s current scoured the topsoil, exposing the bedrock that once lay beneath his fields..

“The ground feels like sand now,” he said, pointing to the cracked earth that now stretches across the property. The irrigation system that once delivered water to his wheat and alfalfa is gutted, and the power lines that supply electricity to his outbuildings have been downed. “I’m trying to stay hopeful, but I see the damage and I am scared about how long it will take to get it back.” Community members have offered help, but the isolated location means that even small deliveries of supplies can take hours..

Martinez’s neighbor, 68‑year‑old Teresa Alvarez, says she’s bringing him fresh water and food from her farm. “We’re all in the same boat,” Alvarez said. “I don’t know how long this will last, but I will stand by you..

We can’t let the river take our homes.” Meanwhile, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is conducting a rapid assessment of the flood damage and evaluating potential mitigation projects. The Corps has historically worked in Colorado to manage river systems, but the Navajo River’s sudden surge is a reminder that even remote streams can become hazardous..

The assessment will consider whether to build levees, modify drainage systems, or restore wetlands that can absorb floodwaters. “We’re in the early stages,” said Corps engineer Jason Kim. “But we’re already looking at what can be done to reduce future risk.” Financially, Martinez is in a precarious situation..

Without insurance coverage, the cost of rebuilding could run into hundreds of thousands of dollars. “I’ve got a small savings account, but it won’t cover everything,” Martinez admitted. He is applying for the federal Disaster Recovery Fund, which offers grants for structural repairs..

However, the application process is complex and the deadline is approaching fast. The flood has taken not only my property but my peace of mind.” Environmental scientists note that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of such flooding events in the Colorado plateau. Maya Patel, a climatologist at the University of Colorado, explains that the region’s climate models predict more extreme precipitation events in the coming decades..

“We’re seeing a shift,” she said. “These once rare flash floods are becoming more common. It’s not just about the immediate damage, but the long‑term resilience of communities like Martinez’s.” In the broader context, many residents of the San Juan Mountains have faced similar challenges..

Recent studies show that 37% of homeowners in the region lack flood insurance, largely due to the misconception that flood insurance is only for low‑lying coastal areas. The Colorado Department of Local Affairs is launching an educational campaign to inform residents of the risks and the availability of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). “We want people to be prepared, not surprised,” said State Rep..

Brian Hayes, who has been pushing for increased state funding for flood mitigation. As the community rallies around Martinez, the question of whether life will return to normal looms large. For many, “normal” now means adapting to a world where flooding can happen with little warning..

The river that once symbolised a steady source of water now stands as a reminder of the unpredictable forces at play. “I don’t know if things will ever be the same,” Martinez said, looking out over the waterlogged fields. “But if I can keep my family.