President approves disaster relief funding for Washington communities ravaged by flooding last year

On Wednesday, President Joe Biden ordered federal assistance for communities that were hit hard by flooding in mid-November last year.

The president declared that a major disaster exists in Washington state and the funding is being made available to Clallam, Skagit, and Whatcom counties, as well as the Lummi Nation, the Nooksack and Quileute tribes.

According to a White House release, the funding includes grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs.

Flooding had swamped many towns and cities in the North Sound in mid-November after days of heavy rain overtopped river banks, causing many to evacuate their homes. Mudslides and standing water had also closed many roads across the region during that time.

Several North Sound communities were also cut off by floodwaters.

In Everson, there was widespread flooding, where boats and tractors were used to help those who were trapped.

In Everson, which was one of the hardest hit by flooding, a man was swept away by floodwaters and later found dead.

The flooding was so bad that Gov. Jay Inslee even toured flood-ravaged communities to find out where people needed help.

Many areas remained under threat for days.

Several days after the rain had stopped and the water started to recede in some communities, families spent the day gutting their waterlogged homes.

“It was like walking in a nightmare,” said Austin Holder, who had to take a boat to get to his home at one point.

He told us then that he plans to start over and rebuild.

Those who require funding due to sustained losses can apply for assistance by registering online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Hearing- and speech-impaired citizens can call 1-800-462-7585 (TTY).

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