Disaster Declaration issued for Alaska communities affected by flooding

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - Governor Mike Dunleavy issued a disaster declaration on Sunday, May 14, for communities affected by flooding from ice jams and rapid snowmelt.

“The declaration identifies communities in the Alaska Gateway Regional Education Attendance Area (REAA), including the city and native village of Eagle, Yukon Flats, Circle, Kuspuk, Crooked Creek, and Copper River,” said the governor.

The disaster declaration will reimburse communities for eligible emergency protective measures and activates Alaska’s Public Assistance and Individual Assistance Disaster Recovery Programs. Public assistance helps communities, and some non-profits, restore critical infrastructure to a pre-disaster condition and can reimburse emergency response costs.

Two river watch teams were launched on May 8 to observe the Upper Yukon and Kuskokwim Rivers. The teams provided these communities with advanced warnings and are now assisting with emergency response.

Governor Dunleavy said, “There are many communities downstream from the communities currently flooding. As the break-up front moves down river we could see additional flooding.” “We will make sure flood impacted communities receive critical lifesaving assistance while we simultaneously provide information and warnings to those who could still be impacted by ice jams. This is a dynamic situation that is changing on an hour-by-hour basis,” added Dunleavy.

The Alaska State Emergency Operation Center has been activated to Level 3.

River watch teams continue conducting aerial observation of ice conditions and are providing up-to-date information to river communities.

Updated information will be provided as it becomes available.

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