Severe Flooding Hits Harney County: What the Governor Declared Will Shock You!

BURNS, Ore. (KATU) — Harney County is currently facing significant challenges as severe flooding has prompted Oregon Governor Tina Kotek to declare a state of emergency. The declaration, issued today, enables local and state responders to utilize all necessary resources to manage the crisis effectively in Southeastern Oregon.

According to Governor Kotek, "Floodwaters in Harney County and on the Burns Paiute Reservation have created serious public health and environmental hazards and they need all hands on deck." The emergency declaration is intended to allow the state to act swiftly, helping local emergency responders to protect residents and their property during this critical time.

The flooding situation has been worsened by rapid snowmelt, which has overwhelmed sewer systems, causing sewage to leak into the floodwaters. This contamination poses serious health risks to the community. Furthermore, essential infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and culverts have been inundated, which disrupts emergency services and local commerce. Public and private properties, including homes and agricultural lands, are currently submerged, exacerbating the situation for residents.

In response to the escalating crisis, evacuation levels have been updated for several zones in and around Burns, as communicated by the Harney County Sheriff's Office. Specifically, Zones BUB-007-A and BUB-011-B have been upgraded to Level 2, signifying that residents should be prepared to evacuate at a moment's notice. Meanwhile, Zone BUB-011-A is now at Level 1, which advises residents to prepare for possible evacuation.

Governor Kotek has emphasized the importance of community vigilance during this emergency: "Check on your neighbors, follow the instructions and evacuation levels issued by emergency officials, subscribe to emergency alerts on ORAlert.gov, have an evacuation plan, prepare a go-kit, and stay aware of changing conditions." Ensuring that residents are prepared and informed is crucial as conditions continue to evolve.

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is spearheading the coordinated response. They have activated the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) and are collaborating with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to address the public health risks associated with contaminated floodwaters. An emergency shelter has been established at the Memorial Building at the Harney County Fairgrounds, equipped with portable toilets and handwashing stations to support displaced residents.

Residents are strongly advised to avoid floodwaters and refrain from driving on North Broadway unless evacuating, as the high water levels pose serious risks to vehicles and homes. The state of emergency declaration is effective immediately and will remain in place through April 30, 2025, unless it is terminated or extended sooner.

This flooding crisis in Harney County highlights the urgent need for preparedness and community support in times of environmental distress. As conditions continue to develop, the collaboration between state and local agencies will be paramount to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.