Oregonians in the southeastern region are grappling with severe flooding, leading Governor Tina Kotek to announce an emergency situation, a response to the growing crisis in Harney County and on the Burns Paiute Reservation. Governor Kotek called for community-wide vigilance and aid, stressing the urgency in her statement, "This declaration allows the state to act swiftly and help local emergency responders protect Oregonians and the things they hold dear." She emphasized the rapid progression of the conditions and urged the public to remain alert to the advice of emergency services, as reported by the Oregon Governor's Office.
The emergency declaration, based on ORS 401.165, was made due to the threat of harm to people, property, and infrastructure from ongoing flooding. As weather conditions continue to evolve, Governor Kotek has ordered a response involving multiple state agencies. Flooding has severely damaged infrastructure, including sewers, which are overflowing and contaminating the water. Roads, bridges, and culverts are also damaged and unusable. Livestock, farms, businesses, and homes are submerged. With warmer weather expected, the situation could get worse, making the response even more urgent, according to the Oregon Governor's Office.
Governor Kotek has tasked the Oregon Department of Emergency Management to spearhead a coordinated effort to not only mitigate the current disaster but also implement recovery strategies alongside other state agencies. As part of these instructions, she has directed the activation of the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. Additionally, the Oregon Health Authority, partnering with the Department of Environmental Quality, has been given the charge to tackle public health risks associated with the floodwaters, which have become a mix of various contaminants and hazardous materials, as detailed by the Oregon Governor's Office. The state's collaboration with the Burns Paiute Tribe, a key component of the response plan, is geared toward supporting both the immediate needs and the longer-term recovery effort of the affected community.
