Salem, Oregon – After weeks of relentless storms, swollen rivers, and the sudden rush of melting snow, communities across areas of Southern and Southeastern Oregon are now confronting the aftermath of devastating floods. Governor Tina Kotek has officially asked the White House for a Presidential Disaster Declaration. She wants urgent federal help to help people in some of Oregon’s hardest-hit and most vulnerable areas get back on their feet.
A powerful mix of record-breaking rain and quick melting hit Coos, Curry, Douglas, and Harney counties hard in March and April. Landslides blocked roads, water forced dozens of families to leave their homes, and rural towns were cut off from each other. Under the stress, important infrastructure like bridges, public utilities, and wastewater systems broke down in several places.
Neighbors worked together and emergency workers responded quickly, but Governor Kotek stressed that the amount of damage exceeds what state and local resources can handle.
“Although this disaster hit some of the most economically vulnerable communities of our state, residents had each other’s back and got through the initial emergency. But they can’t do recovery alone,” Governor Kotek said. “These communities urgently need both state and federal support to help them recover.”
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The Governor asked President Trump for help in a number of ways. Coos, Curry, Douglas, and Harney counties could use Public Assistance money to patch up public facilities that have been destroyed, fix roads that are broken, and restore utilities that are necessary. People in Coos, Curry, and Douglas counties, as well as Harney County and the Burns Paiute Tribe, are also asking for help for their families and homes that were damaged or destroyed. These funding would help pay for things like temporary housing, repairs, and other urgent necessities.
The declaration proposal also asks for a statewide Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. With this money, Oregon may pay for measures that lower the likelihood of future disasters, such as strengthening levees, improving floodplain management, and developing infrastructure that can withstand more damage.
Last year, Harney County battled widespread wildfires, but this spring it was hammered very hard. Floodwaters rushed into communities as levees broke, and the only wastewater treatment facility for the City of Burns and the Burns Paiute Tribe went down. Contaminated water posed a serious risk to public health and necessitated long evacuations, leaving many people unable to go back home.
“This is the second major disaster Harney County has faced in a year, following wildfires in 2024,” Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) Director Erin McMahon said. “With limited local capacity, federal resources are essential to help these communities recover and to prevent future devastation.”
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The Governor declared a state of emergency for the counties that were affected in March, when it became evident how bad the flooding and landslides were. All eyes are on Washington right now to see if federal disaster help will soon be on the way. Families are cleaning up and local agencies are trying to get services back up and running.
