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CWS appeal: Pacific Northwest flooding 2007

December 12, 2007

President Bush declared parts of Washington and Oregon disaster areas following early December flooding that continues to be problematic. Shelters are still open, thousands are still without power, coastal communities remain cut off by washed-out roads and relief operations are still underway.

The declarations make residents in two Washington counties (Grays Harbor and Lewis) and two Oregon counties (Clatsop and Columbia) eligible for Individual Assistance (IA). Damage estimates are underway, with Columbia County, Ore. already totaling more than $24 million in damage alone.

Sustained flooding and extremely gusty winds remain a concern in coastal areas. Wind has caused widespread roof damage in Pacific County, Wash., where officials have requested 5,000 emergency blue tarps for temporary roofing.

Vulnerable communities watch

The four counties declared eligible for IA are areas of high poverty and a significant elderly population. It is also home to a large fishing economy damaged by the storm. Washington State officials closed dozens of shellfish harvesting areas because of contamination concerns. At the storm’s peak, 141 fishing companies were impacted just at the height of the harvesting season.

CWS response

Emergency Response Specialist Lura Cayton estimates several new long-term recovery organizations to take shape in the region, and is coordinating two training events, one to be held in each state. A mid-January timetable is anticipated at this time. This appeal would pay for staff travel and support for the new recovery groups.

Contributions to support this emergency appeal may be made online, sent to your denomination, or to Church World Service, P.O. Box 968, Elkhart, IN, 46515.

Media Contact:
Lesley Crosson, CWS/New York, 212-870-2676;
Jan Dragin, 781-925-1526;

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