Dozens Missing in Colorado

Police hope they're just of out contact, not injured or worse
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Sep 14, 2013 12:53 PM CDT
Dozens Missing in Colorado
Homes in residential neighborhood in Longmont, Colo., are submerged.   (AP Photo/John Wark)

By air and by land, the rescue of hundreds of Coloradoans stranded by epic mountain flooding accelerated today as rivers became muddy seas that extended into towns and farms miles from the Rockies. Although the number of confirmed deaths stood at four, authorities feared more bodies could turn up in areas that remain inaccessible. More than 170 people were unaccounted for in Boulder County, but that number could include people who are still stranded or who escaped but have not made contact yet.

Helicopters and hundreds of National Guard troops searched miles of mountainous terrain for people as food and water supplies ran low in remote communities cut off since Thursday. Thousands were being driven from their homes in convoys. Floodwaters have affected parts of a 4,500-square-mile area, and more rain is in the forecast through tomorrow. One bit of good news: Two stranded hikers made it to safety. (More Colorado stories.)

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