Astoria, Ore. — Governor Tina Kotek has formally requested Presidential Disaster Declarations to aid Oregon communities reeling from catastrophic floods that swept through the state this spring. The request, submitted in coordination with the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), seeks federal assistance for Coos, Curry, Douglas, and Harney counties—regions that bore the brunt of the destruction.
Between mid-March and mid-April, a rare convergence of severe storms, rapid snowmelt, and record-setting rainfall triggered widespread flooding across southern and eastern Oregon. The disaster caused landslides, infrastructure failures, and mass displacement, especially in remote, economically vulnerable areas. Officials report extensive damage to homes, businesses, roads, and utility systems, with many residents still unable to return to their homes.
“Although this disaster hit some of the most remote and economically vulnerable communities of our state, these folks have each other’s backs,” Kotek said in a statement. “They are resilient and resourceful, but they can’t do recovery alone. These communities urgently need federal support to help them recover.”
The state’s request includes several categories of federal aid. Public Assistance is being sought for all four affected counties to help repair public infrastructure, including roads, public buildings, and utilities. Additionally, Oregon is requesting Individual Assistance for residents of Coos, Curry, and Douglas counties, as well as for Harney County and the Burns Paiute Tribe. These funds would support individuals and families who suffered uninsured or underinsured losses. The state is also seeking funding through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) to support long-term investments in disaster resilience statewide.
Harney County, in particular, faced severe conditions as warm temperatures rapidly melted a snowpack that was more than twice the seasonal average. The melting overwhelmed the Silvies River, causing levee breaches and the collapse of the only wastewater system serving the City of Burns and the Burns Paiute Tribe. The resulting sewage-contaminated floodwaters created serious public health risks, damaged more than 100 homes, and forced extended evacuations.
“This is the second major disaster Harney County has faced in a year, following wildfires in 2024,” OEM Director Erin McMahon noted. “With limited local capacity, federal resources are essential to help these communities recover and to prevent future devastation.”
If approved, the disaster declarations would unlock federal resources to support short-term relief and long-term recovery. Assistance would include aid for displaced households, small business support, repairs to public infrastructure, and funding for resilience projects such as improved floodplain management and reinforced levees.
State officials emphasized the urgency of the request, noting that many communities remain in crisis and lack the capacity to recover without federal support.
For ongoing updates and information on available recovery resources, residents are encouraged to visit www.Oregon.gov/OEM.
