Residents in this Colorado town wade through knee deep water, carrying what belongings they can on their backs.

Another day of evacuations for the some 14 counties severely affected by massive flooding, not seen in decades.

Rescue efforts for thousands of stranded residents have been hard going as roads and bridges have been destroyed.

Governor John Hickenlooper.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) JOHN HICKENLOOPER, COLORADO GOVERNOR, SAYING:

"I counted 55 significant chunks of missing highway where at least a full lane was missing. Many more where little slivers were gone and we did not go in any comprehensive way."

So far four people have been confirmed dead, a fifth is presumed dead... more than two hundred people are unaccounted for.

Colorado has been declared a federal disaster although the scope and size of property losses can only be assessed once the water has receded.