Officials Say Nearly 19K Homes Damaged, Destroyed

Colorado emergency management officials have released an initial estimate that says the ongoing flooding has damaged or destroyed nearly 19,000 homes.

The Colorado Office of Emergency Management estimated Sunday on its website that 17,494 homes have been damaged and 1,502 destroyed.

In addition, 11,700 people have been evacuated and a total of 1,253 people are unaccounted for.

County officials have said that number fluctuates as stranded residents re-establish communication with family, friends or authorities.

Office of Emergency Management spokeswoman Micki Trost says the numbers were reported by affected counties and compiled by the state agency.

The flooding is spread across parts of 15 counties.