Press Release, Whatcom County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), 01/09/09

As floodwaters recede, government agencies shift their focus from emergency response to damage assessment and recovery.  However, flood waters on the Lummi Peninsula still command attention as Haxton Way and detour routes continue to be affected by water over the roadway.  Motor vehicle passage through the flooded areas on those roadways is still being assisted by the use of pilot vehicles.  Motorists should also be alert to debris and roadway damage on previously flooded roads even as floodwaters recede. Slide activity on steep slopes in the County remains a serious concern which will continue beyond this weekend as soil on slopes will remain saturated with moisture for some time.  Persons who live or work in proximity to steep slopes should be aware of this danger and be vigilant for signs of slide activity in their area. 

The emergency response to the current flooding and slide activity began Tuesday evening, January 6, and has continued without interruption since then.  The County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) remains open at this time, though with minimal staffing since later this afternoon.  Individual County departments will continue to respond to emergencies within their respective scopes of responsibility even as they begin the work of assessment and recovery.   

 ###

Media Contact:
Daniel Gibson
Joint EOC PIO
360-398-1705