Gov. Inslee asks for FEMA aid for regions affected by recent flooding in Washington

WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — Gov. Jay Inslee is asking for federal aid as Washington tries to recover from recent record-breaking flooding in Whatcom County.

The governor sent a letter Friday to the administrator of FEMA asking for aid for regions in Washington damaged by recent flooding once the state finishes estimating the amount of damage.

The recent flooding damaged around 500 homes, according to early estimates, and caused landslides, mudslides, evacuations, road closures and power outages.

Inslee said that after meeting with flood victims and local officials, the thing he heard consistently was “collective shock in the magnitude of these atmospheric events, causing historic water levels and damage in impacted communities.”

“The record-breaking storms have included flooding, landslides, mudslides, and straight-line winds, causing evacuations, displacement, road and highway closures, and significant power outages. These have had a tremendous impact on people, businesses, agriculture, transportation systems, and the economy of Washington,” the letter continued.

Read the full letter here.

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