Uninsured Colorado Rancher Faces $200,000 Loss After Back-to-Back Floods

Matthew Martinez estimates he has lost at least $200,000 in property value and equipment after two major flooding events struck his home in the Navajo River canyon in Edith, Colorado.

The storms, driven by a supercharged El Niño pattern, caused the Navajo, San Juan, and Animas rivers to surge beyond their banks across the Four Corners region over the last two weeks.

Martinez, who has lived in the canyon for nearly 60 years, said he had never seen such severe flooding before. The first surge damaged his barn and outbuildings. A second, stronger flood hit three days later, swallowing a corral and washing his tools downstream.

The financial strain is compounded by a lack of insurance. Martinez stated that insurers would not provide flood coverage for a house located so close to the water. Without a policy, he is responsible for all repair and cleanup costs personally.

Current living arrangements have become unstable. Martinez and his fiancée initially stayed with a son, then moved to a hotel, but both locations flooded. They are now staying in an Airbnb, but Martinez fears they will lose this shelter when his emergency voucher expires in a few days.

He described the cleanup costs as a growing burden. Hauling debris to the dump costs $300 per load, a expense that could total thousands of dollars he does not currently have on hand. Martinez is weighing whether to ask family and friends for help to offset these costs.

A FEMA representative visited the property to document the damage after the first flood. Martinez said he is likely on an assistance list and plans to monitor options daily as he recovers from knee surgery.

The heavy rainfall ended months of drought in the region, but the fast-moving water also stripped rich topsoil from Martinez's land, leaving behind sand and rock. He is now concerned about how to feed his remaining animals without pasture next year.

Martinez noted that several families in the canyon, some of whom have lived there for 100 years, suffered similar damage. He said the community is collectively facing a difficult recovery. "We're in trouble, all of us are. Not just me, everybody," he said.