TUKWILA, Wash. (AP) — In a rapidly evolving situation, residents near a levee breach in Washington State were ordered to evacuate early Tuesday morning, shortly after authorities lifted an evacuation alert for another levee failure in the area. The police in Pacific, located about 20 miles south of Seattle, urged the affected residents near the White River to 'Go Now!' amidst a flash flood warning from the National Weather Service.
This alarming news follows several days of heavy rainfall and flooding that have caused widespread devastation across western Washington. Communities have been inundated, displacing tens of thousands and necessitating numerous rescue operations amid the chaos.
Just the day prior, crews were seen reinforcing the Desimone levee along the Green River with sandbags after a minor failure prompted evacuation orders affecting approximately 1,100 homes and businesses in parts of Kent, Renton, and Tukwila. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as King County officials reassured residents that it was safe to return to some areas after evacuations were lifted.
However, flooding remained localized to industrial zones, and residents were initially not evacuated. As conditions worsen with continuing rains, the focus remains on protecting lives and managing the crisis effectively.
This alarming news follows several days of heavy rainfall and flooding that have caused widespread devastation across western Washington. Communities have been inundated, displacing tens of thousands and necessitating numerous rescue operations amid the chaos.
Just the day prior, crews were seen reinforcing the Desimone levee along the Green River with sandbags after a minor failure prompted evacuation orders affecting approximately 1,100 homes and businesses in parts of Kent, Renton, and Tukwila. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as King County officials reassured residents that it was safe to return to some areas after evacuations were lifted.
However, flooding remained localized to industrial zones, and residents were initially not evacuated. As conditions worsen with continuing rains, the focus remains on protecting lives and managing the crisis effectively.
