By Marlyn Montilla
Jul 23, 2023, 09:25 AM EDT
President Joe Biden officially approved a disaster declaration for the state of New York following destructive storms and flash floods that ravaged the region nearly two weeks ago.
Likewise, the Democratic president made it official and ordered federal assistance to start the cleanup and debris removal work.
Governor Kathy Hochul made the emergency declaration request on July 14. Assistance from the federal government will come primarily through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance Program.
“After devastating flooding caused extreme damage in upstate New York this month, I am grateful that President Biden approved my request for a major disaster declaration,” Hochul said.
“My administration will work directly with FEMA in the coming weeks to ensure our local government partners receive the critical funds they need to begin the recovery and rebuilding process.”
The US executive’s statement releases federal assistance to support recovery and rebuilding efforts in Clinton, Dutchess, Essex, Hamilton, Ontario, Orange, Putnam and Rockland counties.
Now these troubled counties have access to financial support for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and repairs to infrastructure and public buildings, according to ABC 7 New York.
Likewise, New York state authorities estimate that there was damage valued at $50 million dollars from the storms of July 9 and 10.
One person lost his life when he was swept away by the strong currents left by the torrential rains.
A 43-year-old woman, identified as Pamela Nugent, was killed in a flood in Orange County as she tried to escape her flooded home with her dog, but was swept away by the water.
“We discovered his remains, he was at the bottom of a ravine,” Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus said.
“It was very dangerous for the rescuers who had to get her out of there. We saw debris falling on them as they tried to get her to high ground where we could take her back to the medical examiner’s office.”
Keep reading:
- Kathy Hochul alerts about price increase scams in NY after the floods that affected the state
- Kathy Hochul asked New Yorkers to avoid driving in New York due to flood warnings
- Body of 2-year-old girl found in Delaware river after she and her brother disappeared in floods