Buildings destroyed, roads in pieces: Videos show flood’s destruction in Yellowstone

Buildings are falling into a rushing river. Paved roads are crumbling into pieces. And bridges are being ripped apart by a a devastating flood that is sweeping through Yellowstone National Park and the surrounding region.

On Monday, June 13, park officials closed all of its entrance gates to incoming visitors and began evacuating tourists from the park, which is one of the most popular in the United States.

The park will stay closed through at least Wednesday, June 15. Entire communities are isolated from the flood, unable to move.

“Our first priority has been to evacuate the northern section of the park where we have multiple road and bridge failures, mudslides and other issues,” Yellowstone superintendent Cam Sholly said in a statement. “The community of Gardiner is currently isolated, and we are working with the county and State of Montana to provide necessary support to residents.”

Yellowstone officials have not said if anyone has been hurt during the flood, but they have called the situation “extremely hazardous.” Park officials have not responded to McClatchy News’ request for more information.

Videos show scenes of devastation in the region. One video shows a building, that some identified as park employee housing, crumbling into the rushing river.

In Yellowstone gate town Red Lodge, Montana, massive trees swept through roads covered in water, video shows. Roads look like they’ve been snapped in half as they sink into the river.

Here’s what the region looks like:

This story was originally published June 14, 2022 at 8:34 AM with the headline "Buildings destroyed, roads in pieces: Videos show flood’s destruction in Yellowstone."