BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Washington’s flood emergency continues to grip the state.
More than 1,200 rescues and evacuations have taken place across 10 counties after eight straight days of flooding and atmospheric river storms.
Two levee breaches this week, Tukwila on Monday and Pacific on Tuesday, underscore the danger.
Gov. Bob Ferguson says the damage is extensive: 49 miles of Highway 2 between Skykomish and Leavenworth could be closed for months.
“It’s premature to estimate exactly how long that will be,” Gov. Ferguson said. “We’re going to do everything we possibly can to repair it as quickly as possible, but literally, underwater in stages. There’s major, major issues on that roadway.”
Several other roads will need near-total rebuilding.
Relief efforts are ramping up. Ferguson says state, local, and federal agencies are pooling resources for shelter, food, water and other necessities. He’s amended his emergency proclamation to cover 14 counties and unlocked $3 million in state funds for immediate aid.
But long-term help will take time. Federal disaster support granted last week covers only short-term needs.
“So what we’re working on is a major disaster declaration. That’s what unlocks significant financial resources,” Gov. Ferguson said.
That request requires proof the damage exceeds state capacity — a massive effort involving residents, local officials, and state agencies.
