Pa. Gov. Rendell Orders Damage Assessments for 9 Counties Following Weekend Floods

Pennsylvania Gov. Edward Rendell announced that federal, state and local personnel are conducting damage assessments in central and eastern Pennsylvania counties in the wake of heavy rains and flooding over the weekend.

Damage assessments will be conducted in Bradford, Bucks, Columbia, Luzerne, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, Wayne and Wyoming Counties.

“Damage assessments will enable us to gather information to present to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to open the door for possible federal disaster assistance,” said Gov. Rendell. “Federal dollars from FEMA will help eligible residents recover from the torrential rains and heavy flooding.”

“PEMA is working with state, county, local and FEMA officials to assess the damage in the declared counties,” said Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Director Adrian King, Jr. “The State Emergency Operations Center has been activated to coordinate any state response necessary,” said King.

State agencies continue to help residents recover from the flooding. The state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is monitoring high-hazard dams, and has inspected dams in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike and Wayne Counties. DEP is providing free water-testing kits to residents who rely on wells or springs for their drinking water in those counties that have been
affected by flood waters. The kits currently are available at DEP’s regional offices.

DEP is also working closely with the Bucks County Health Department to protect water infrastructure, repair and restore any damaged infrastructure, and communicate flood response status and other advisories as necessary for the protection of public health and the environment.

In addition, the state Department of Health is monitoring reports from
hospitals and nursing homes related to this flooding event, and the PA
National Guard and the Civil Air Patrol provided two flights each to allow state and federal officials to conduct a preliminary aerial assessment of damages in the central and eastern portions of the Commonwealth.

Individuals needing assistance should call their local city or county
emergency management office as listed in the “Blue Pages” section of the phone book. In the event of an emergency, individuals should dial 911 or call their local police or fire department.

Flood safety information, as well as weather updates and aerial video
footage, can be found on the PA Emergency Management Agency Web site at http://www.PEMA.state.pa.us.