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

Matthew Martinez, 60, has lived nearly his whole life in a canyon on the Navajo River in southwestern Colorado and had never seen severe flooding before now.

The river surged through his home and outbuildings twice over the last two weeks, damaging his barn, sweeping away a corral, and covering his house in mud.

He is missing a horse and lost tools that washed downstream.

Martinez did not have flood insurance because his house was too close to the water to qualify for it.

nearly all of his 60 years: Martinez lived in the canyon on the Navajo River without seeing severe flooding. · over the last two weeks: The river surged through his home and outbuildings twice. · after the first flood: A FEMA representative visited his property and took photos. · three days later: A second flood hit, twice as bad as the first. · Wednesday: Martinez made his first visit back to the property. · with a break in the weather: Evacuees, including Martinez, began returning home.

60 age · 25 miles (40 km) distance from Pagosa Springs · $200,000 estimated losses · $300 cost per dump load · twice number of floods

Martinez does not yet know what FEMA assistance, if any, he will receive, saying only 'we'll see what options we have.'