Drake Resident Returns Home To Find Town Unrecognizable
DRAKE, Colo. (CBS4) - As Colorado recovers from last month's devastating flooding, more people are now seeing the destruction firsthand. On Sunday homeowners in the flood-ravaged town of Drake returned -- many for the first time in a month.
Residents weren't sure what to expect when they returned to Drake and it was a lot for them to take in when they were allowed back in for a few hours to salvage their belongings. For most, it was the first time seeing their home since the flood waters tore through.
"You search the Internet looking for pictures," flood victim Barb Surhre said.
Waiting a month to see what their cabin looked like was agonizing for Barb and Will Surhre. Luckily it wasn't destroyed, but they showed CBS4's Heather Burke significant damage in their backyard.
It's an unfortunate sight around every corner in Drake -- dozens of homes and cabins beyond repair. Parts of Highway 34 are drivable, but big chunks of it are washed out. Crews are working around the clock to fix the roads.
Barb Surhre was stunned about how unrecognizable the small community is now.
"(It's) unbelievable how the flood wrapped all the stuff around the existing trees, or wiped out trees, 75-year-old evergreens are gone," she said.
It's not clear when the next visitation will be but residents heard it could be as early as Tuesday.
Colorado Floods: How To Help
The recent floods are impacting families and communities throughout Colorado, so CBS4 has compiled a list of ways you can support the local communities impacted by the floods.
