SALEM — Governor Kate Brown today declared a state of emergency in three Oregon counties due to severe flooding, increased snowmelt, landslides, and erosion. This declaration comes at the request of local legislators and is based on the recommendations of the Oregon Office of Emergency Management (OEM).
“Fast-moving, severe floods have required the evacuation of residences and shut down critical roads in northeastern Oregon. I am grateful for all of our first responders for their efforts to keep our families safe since the waters began rising,” Governor Brown said. “This emergency declaration ensures state resources, emergency response personnel, and equipment can be activated to complement critical local resources as this situation progresses.”
Governor Brown’s declaration directs OEM to coordinate the deployment of the Oregon National Guard, Oregon Department of Transportation, Oregon State Police, Oregon Water Resources Department, Oregon Department of Human Services, and Oregon Health Authority to support local communities as needed. OEM will facilitate the access and use of state resources, personnel, and equipment to protect communities, property, and the environment, and aid in the recovery from flooding. The state of emergency will remain in effect for thirty days.
The Office of Emergency Management will continue to provide regular updates, which will be made available here: https://twitter.com/oregonoem.