State responds to storm damage in Southeast Alaska

More than a dozen Southeast Alaska communities from Haines to Ketchikan hard hit by winter storms are getting a financial boost from the state government.

The disaster declaration announced on Saturday, Dec. 5 by the Dunleavy administration activated a state public assistance program designed to reimburse communities and agencies for eligible response costs associated with the disaster.

The lengthy storm, from Nov. 30 through Dec. 2, inundated communities with heavy rains and high winds that caused multiple landslides, flooded homes and infrastructures, washing t roads, interrupted power, and knocked down trees.

The governor’s office said that the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) is responding to emergency requests from Haines for increased search and rescue capabilities, sheltering support, geological technical experts, and other requests.

“This is an ongoing response, and we are focused on the immediate life, health and safety needs of those impacted by the event,” said Gov. Mike Dunleavy.

The SEOC already activated for the COVID-19 response, is coordinating local, state, federal, non-government and private sector organizations to respond to the storm.

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The disaster declaration also initiated a request for federal public assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

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