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On Tuesday, Governor Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency due to the potential threat to life, safety, and property and significant damage to infrastructure caused by flooding and landslides across Southern Oregon that started on February 24.
Oregon Flooding State Of Emergency
Ongoing storms since February 24 have caused significant flooding and landslides throughout Oregon, leaving one person dead with critical transportation failures and loss of power and communications capabilities.
The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) confirmed that Governor Kotek deemed the situation to qualify as a disaster that triggers a state of emergency under ORS 401.165 in Clackamas, Coos, Curry, Douglas, Harney, Jackson, Josephine, Lane, Multnomah, and Malheur counties. Damages estimated at over $10 million have been caused to the federal aid highway system in the affected counties.
The Governor’s Office confirmed that they monitored a potential flood in the Burns area of Harney County, and preemptively added Harney County to this declaration. Governor Kotek urged Oregonians to:
- Follow the instructions and evacuation levels issued by emergency officials
- Subscribe to emergency alerts on ORAlert.gov
- Have an evacuation plan
- Prepare a go-kit
- Stay aware of changing conditions
To stay informed about current flooding conditions and impacts, visit the Oregon Flood Dashboard.
The declaration of a state of emergency authorizes the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to make appropriate assistance available and seek federal resources.
However, it is limited to repairing and reconstructing eligible roadways that are part of the federal aid highway system and should not be construed as a comprehensive declaration or proclamation of emergency for other purposes.
The OEM activated the State Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) to Level 3 on Monday, coordinating closely with local, Tribal, and state partners to share information and support local response and recovery operations.
Governor Kotek said, “When emergencies hit, Oregon families and businesses need to know we have their back in every part of the state.”
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