As Washington grapples with severe flooding that's left multiple communities in distress, assistance has poured in from its neighbor to the south. In a display of interstate solidarity and emergency aid, Oregon has deployed a swift water rescue team to aid in the flood response efforts. The team, coming from the Clackamas Fire District, embarked on a seven-day mission beginning December 11 to carry out life-safety operations in the regions hit hardest by the rising waters.
The rescue team's deployment was facilitated through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), a system designed specifically to efficiently and responsibly share resources between states during times of disaster. As reported by the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, this operation marks the first time Oregon’s swift water rescue team has been mobilized under EMAC's framework. "Oregon is proud to stand with Washington during this challenging time," said Kelly Jo Craigmiles, emergency program coordinator with the OEM Response Team. "These highly trained responders are answering the call to protect lives and support communities impacted by flooding."
The collaborative effort doesn't end with the water rescue team. Oregon has also signaled readiness to potentially deploy the 125th National Guard if the situation escalates, and has offered additional drone resources to support Washington. These drones are part of the State Preparedness and Incident Response Equipment (SPIRE) program and can be utilized to provide aerial assessments and enhance situational awareness for disaster management professionals working on the ground.
OEM has expressed a strong sense of gratitude toward the emergency responders for their professionalism and dedication in facing the floods. Their acknowledgment extends not just to the individuals on the ground, but also to the state and local partners in both Oregon and Washington that have joined forces to efficiently manage this natural disaster. As the waters continue to challenge the resolve of Washington state communities, it's clear that the spirit of cooperation and mutual support remains unwavering across state lines, according to the Oregon Department of Emergency Management.
