Oklahoma Flooding; State Assists Victims

New rainfall records continue, the result being flooding in parts of the state. Governor Brad Henry said today that the state is working to assist residents affected by the recent floods and that damage assessments are continuing in impacted areas. He indicated that the damage assessments will help determine the extent of the state’s request for federal assistance.

“All the resources at our state’s disposal, including the Department of Emergency Management, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the National Guard and various relief organizations, are working together and with local first-responders to help protect the lives and property of Oklahomans,” Henry said. “Thousands of Oklahomans have been displaced, and many have experienced devastating property damage. We are conducting assessments in the affected areas as part of our request for federal assistance. We will continue to do everything we can to ensure that the needs of impacted Oklahomans are met.”

Damage assessments began today in areas of Pottawatomie County hit hard by flooding last week, with more surveying slated for Tuesday in Comanche County. In Northeast Oklahoma, particularly Bartlesville and Miami, state and local emergency workers are coordinating expected evacuations of flooded areas. Situations in other areas around the state are being closely monitored. Henry said emergency management officials are also determining what steps are needed to help localities with infrastructure damage.

Image courtesy Tulsa World

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