Moore requests FEMA assessment in areas damaged by flooding

Yahoo

26-05-2025

ANNAPOLIS — Gov. Wes Moore Friday issued a request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency to conduct damage assessments in areas of Western Maryland that were recently impacted by severe flooding.
As a result of torrential rainfall and flash flooding May 13-14, several Allegany County communities sustained damage to residences and infrastructure and incurred significant response costs, necessitating additional assistance.
'Moving in partnership with first responders, local leaders and state officials, we have mounted a swift and aggressive response to the devastating flood in Western Maryland. But the breadth of damage requires us to accelerate our work in this moment, not slow down,' Moore said. 'This Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment will help ensure Marylanders get the help they need as we work together to rebuild.'
The process — conducted in coordination with FEMA, the Maryland Department of Emergency Management and local emergency management officials — is a necessary step toward determining whether Maryland meets the federal criteria to request a presidential disaster declaration to address the impacts caused directly by flooding.
Allegany and Garrett counties have asked that the Maryland Department of Emergency Management request assessments to be scheduled as soon as possible.
'Our teams have been on the ground since the flooding began, working hand in hand with local officials to support residents and begin recovery,' said Maryland Department of Emergency Management Secretary Russ Strickland.
'This damage assessment will help ensure we have the information needed to seek federal assistance and long-term support for Western Maryland communities.'
Since the flooding, the department and numerous state agencies have been working closely with local emergency managers and nonprofit partners to support county-led recovery efforts and provide resources, including assistance with initial damage assessments, volunteer agency coordination and donations management. Maryland continues to prioritize community needs and support for the local jurisdictions while preparing for the formal assessment process.
For more information about damage assessments and disaster declarations, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/how-declared/preliminary-damage-assessments.
County assistance
• Crisis Cleanup is a platform used by organizations and volunteers to coordinate disaster recovery efforts, specifically helping with property cleanup and debris removal after disasters. Call the hotline at 301-360-4719 to request assistance.
• Dumpsters for water damaged household goods, such as furniture, drywall and carpet are located at:
Westernport — beside City Building on Main Street.
Barton — Fire hall parking lot.
Lonaconing — Town Hall Garage on Jackson Street.
Midland — Lot behind fire station.
Ellerslie — Lot behind fire station.
Mount Savage — Across from the fire station.
Cresaptown — Career Center parking lot.
Residents are asked not to dump mud, sludge or natural debris.
Flood debris should be placed at the property edge. Cleanup crews will load debris in the coming days.
• Donations — The Community Trust Foundation has launched Western Maryland Strong Fund for monetary donations.
Clothing donations should be directed to Goodwill and food donations should be go to the Western Maryland Food Bank.
Bulk donations of physical goods, particularly cleaning products are still being accepted.
To donate, visit https://forms.gle/HCG9o8rUgFPiNxbx6.
U.S. Route 219 opens
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reopened U.S. Route 219 Saturday, 1 mile north of Salisbury, 10 days after the Boynton bridge over Piney Creek was damaged by flooding.
The department and contractor partners completed a temporary structure over the creek to restore local travel after floodwaters destroyed the upstream center pier of the 102-year-old structure in the village of Boynton.