After five days of record-breaking rainstorms, flooding and landslides, parts of the Pacific Northwest are in a state of emergency. The mountainous areas of Oregon and Washington were affected most severely, with sinkholes in roads, overflowing rivers and waterfalls, and school closures, reported Reuters.
Two people have died during the storms, and more than 50,000 are without power. One woman died when a large falling tree hit her home, and another drowned in her car when it was submerged in water. Both tragic incidents occurred in Oregon, noted Reuters.
Emergency response teams have helped evacuate people from their homes, and many areas are submerged in hip-high water. Some rescue teams have had to use boats to reach flood victims more quickly. Many homes have been destroyed by the floods caused by overflowing creeks and rivers, and homeowners are devastated, reported NBC.
A moderate-strength tornado was also reported in Battle Ground, Wash., which is highly unusual for the region, reported Reuters.
Landslides and sinkholes have closed parts of many major roadways, including Highway 30 and Interstate 5, noted KGW.
By Thursday, the damage was so heavy that Oregon Gov. Kate Brown declared a state of emergency in 13 counties. "Heavy rains and wind have required the evacuation of residences, and mudslides and high water have severely damaged or blocked major roadways in these areas of the state. The emergency declaration ensures state resources, emergency response personnel, and equipment can be activated to respond to communities in need if their local resources are exhausted," said Brown, according to KGW.
The region is set to receive even more rain all day on Dec. 11, reported Reuters.
