MOUNT VERNON, Wash. (AP) — Washington state is reeling from historic flooding as days of torrential rains have led to the devastation of various communities. Families have been stranded on rooftops, and several homes have been ripped from their foundations, raising urgent warnings from officials as additional rainfall is forecasted for Friday.
The state has declared a state of emergency, with evacuation orders affecting tens of thousands of residents. Governor Bob Ferguson emphasized the seriousness of the situation via social media, urging compliance with evacuation measures amid rapidly rising river levels.
“I understand that many in our state have experienced significant floods in the past,” he stated. “However, we’re looking at a historic situation.”
Approximately 78,000 residents in the agricultural region north of Seattle are being urged to evacuate the floodplain of the Skagit River, which is anticipated to crest early Friday.
The impacts of the flooding extend across the state, with numerous bridges submerged and major roads washed out. The flooding has isolated communities, with some areas, including a large stretch of state Route 410, remaining inaccessible.
Recent reports indicate that a landslide has blocked part of Interstate 90 east of Seattle, stranding vehicles amidst debris and murky waters.
In the northern parts of the state, towns like Sumas, Nooksack, and Everson faced evacuation due to fierce flooding that left significant damage in its wake. Mayor Bruce Bosch of Sumas remarked on the devastation experienced, recalling a similar disaster just four years prior.
Record-Breaking Flood Levels
The Snohomish and Skagit Rivers surged to historic highs, exceeding previous records. As the floodwaters rushed through the towns, residents described the harrowing scenes outside their homes. Local authorities have reported ongoing rescue operations, including helicopter missions that evacuated families trapped on rooftops in Sumas, where floodwaters reached unprecedented heights.
“Growing concerns over the stability of the land have escalated, as severe erosion has caused houses to collapse into nearby rivers,” said Whatcom County Fire District 14's Frank Cain JR. “Rescue efforts are ongoing, and we are asking residents to stay alert.”
The economic and emotional toll of these floods looms large, with many residents left staring at swollen riverbanks. The impacts of climate change have surfaced in discussions about extreme weather patterns, as scientists connect rising flood risks to overall climate disturbances.
Another system is predicted to bring more rain, compounding the difficulties faced by recovery efforts across the affected regions.
Rush reported from Portland, Oregon. Additional inputs from AP writers Gene Johnson, Hallie Golden, and others highlight the widespread impact of this disaster.
