FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 17:00CST
Contact: By: Clark Staten
Chicago, IL., (ENN) November 30, 1995 -- According to one volunteer firefighter, with tongue lodged firmly in his cheek, flooding in Washington state has reached "epic proportions" this evening. The volunteer rescuer's dark humor aside, serious damage is being reported in several areas of Western Washington. Reports are being received by ENN that several rivers are as much a nine (9) feet over floodstage there and that the flooding in the Skagit Valley may meet or exceed all time record levels later today.
Numerous phone lines are reported out in the region and communications are reportedly only being conducted by cellular phone and on emergency radio frequencies. Some Washington National Guard units and civilian HAM radio operators are said to have brought in additional commo gear to assist in coordinating rescue operations and assisting those displaced by the flood waters.
Gov. Mike Lowry has declared at least fourteen counties as "disaster areas" and requested federal assistance to assist those stricken by the flooding, which is being described by state officials as the worst to occur in forty (40)years. A spokesperson for Gov. Lowry said that the current damage estimate exceeds $100 million dollars and that the estimate is expected to rise as the water recedes and a real "on-the ground" assessment can be conducted.
According to the American Red Cross, twenty-five shelters have been set up and hundreds of residents are reportedly taking advantage of beds and hot meals that the charitable organization provides. Reports have been received by the Red Cross that several thousand residents have been evacuated from their homes, but that many have moved in with relatives or are staying in motels or other lodging.
Civilians and volunteer rescuers are sandbagging a number of areas to prevent further damage to homes and business in the path of the rising waters. The city Hall in Reston, WA would be underwater, according to another fire department source, were it not for a wall of sandbags constructed by area residents. As many as sixty (60) other homes and businesses may be under water and destroyed in the area of Carnation, WA. An unconfirmed report, from the area, says that the Amtrak "Empire Builder" is not running, due to water on the tracks.
The primary hope, according to rescuers, is that the rain will stop for a day or two and that the already swollen creeks and rivers will have an opportunity to recede before another rain producing system blows in from the Pacific Ocean. In the mean time, most volunteers expect blisters and backaches as they work to try to save their neighbors homes, businesses, and livestock.
(c) Emergencynet NEWS Service, 1995
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