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Rist Canyon Residents Struggle To Clean Up After Mudslides

LARIMER COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4)- They survived a wildfire but this week some people living in Rist Canyon suffered through mudslides.

People living near or in the High Park burn area are in danger of flooding and mudslides every time it rains. A few days ago a thunderstorm that dropped heavy rain caused a lot of damage.

"As you can see, Mother Nature, she didn't cut us any slack," said Rist Canyon resident Dennis Newlin. "The water was up to the bottom of that bay window."

Newlin lives in an area severely damaged by mudslides after recent rainstorms caused serious water damage and washed away much of his property.

"All of my life's work just got washed out of here. I put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into here," said Newlin.

His home, shed and gazebo were damaged by the mudslides carrying not only mud but branches, sticks and debris from last summer's fire.

Newlin is getting some help from his church family to clean up the damage.

"I'm hoping we can get this little stream channeled away and if it does rain again it won't flood him out like this anymore," said Pleasant Valley Church of Christ member Martin Trujillo.

The church rented an excavator to move some of the dirt and mud from the property. They're doing what they can to save Newlin's home.

"I couldn't believe it. I was devastated. I was here before it happened and it's completely changed. The river, the channel, the road. You couldn't even drive up the road," said Newlin.

He has lived in the area most of his life and is thankful to his church family for helping him during this tough time.

"I'm just floating by the grace of God," said Newlin.

LINK: pleasantvalleychurchofchrist.blogspot.com

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