EASTON, Pa. — Northampton County has updated its damages from the severe flash flooding that struck on July 16.
According to preliminary estimates, the accumulated cost of damages across the county stands at $10,181,006.57, with some municipalities still reporting their losses.
- Northampton County is facing the aftermath of severe flash flooding that occurred on July 16, resulting in significant damages to public infrastructure and private properties
- As of Aug. 1, 13 municipalities have reported damages, and FEMA Joint Assessment Teams are set to arrive to conduct detailed damage assessments for individual and public assistance
- Residents are urged to report damages to local municipalities and complete a damage survey to aid in comprehensive damage reporting for potential assistance from PEMA and FEMA
As of Tuesday, Aug. 1, 13 municipalities have reported damages, one more than the report made on July 28.
Here are the 13 municipalities reporting damages:
- Bangor Borough: infrastructure, roadways
- County of Northampton: bridges
- East Bangor Borough: roadways
- Forks Township: infrastructure, roadways
- Lower Mount Bethel Township: roadways
- Nazareth Borough: roadways, park
- Palmer Township: infrastructure, parks/recreation
- Pen Argyl Borough: roads
- Plainfield Township: infrastructure, roadways
- Stockertown Borough: park, recreational trail
- Tatamy Borough: municipal park
- Washington Township: infrastructure, roadways
- West Easton: roadways
According to a news release from county officials, FEMA Joint Assessment Teams will arrive in Northampton County this week to work alongside PEMA, local emergency management services and municipal officials in conducting detailed damage assessments for both individual and public assistance.
“Unfortunately, assistance from the federal government is not guaranteed.”Northampton County Executive Lamont G. McClure
However, the county hasn't seen any federal support.
“Unfortunately, assistance from the federal government is not guaranteed,” County Executive Lamont G. McClure said in a statement.
Damage cost breakdown
Notably, Forks Township reported damages of about $1.6 million, while Lower Mount Bethel Township faced damages exceeding $1 million.
Palmer Township endured severe destruction, with losses amounting to $3.7 million. The county and the state must document specific damage costs to be eligible for a disaster declaration, with thresholds set at around $1.3 million and $23 million, respectively.
Besides, the county has seen more residential damages from the last report.
Northampton County Emergency Management Services has been inundated with reports of damages from over 235 households across 12 municipalities, while the end-of-July report only found 210 households.
How to take action
Residents and business owners impacted by the floods are urged to report their damages to their local municipalities and complete a damage survey on the county's emergency management website by Friday, Aug. 4.
The data collected will facilitate the compilation of comprehensive damage reports sent to both PEMA and FEMA.
For residents seeking information and possible assistance, a Crisis Clean-Up Hotline has been established at 844-965-1386. The hotline will remain operational until Aug. 4.
