Update from Eagle Alaska – Rebuilding After the Flood
Here’s an update from Yukonbushgrndma, the Mudflatter who lives in Eagle, Alaska, right on the Yukon River. Her home was badly damaged in the flood, and she has been working hard to rebuild, as are so many others who have suffered devastating losses. The Mudflats community has been making donations via paypal to the “Rebuild Eagle Fund” which has, so far collected $14,600. We also purchased a pressure washer and accessories to help residents in the restoration. Hope, another Mudflatter from the Kenai Penninsula, rounded up two truckloads of donations and supplies and drove all the way to Eagle with…
President Obama Declares Flood Disaster in Alaska
Good news today for those impacted by the historic flooding in interior Alaska. President Obama has officially declared a disaster, making it possible for those in need to seek federal assistance. I know that several state and federal agencies have been working hard to cross the Ts and dot the Is so this could be possible. Here’s hoping the news brightens the spirits of those who have lost so much. “I am pleased the president and his administration are recognizing the dire circumstances experienced by many Alaskans impacted by this flooding. We welcome the federal assistance to help residents and…
Rural Update – Flooding on the Y/K – Hope Truck Leaves FRIDAY!
By the time the National Weather Service called off its flood warning for Emmonak and other Lower Yukon River villages Tuesday, breakup flooding had soaked a total of roughly 40 communities along more than 3,000 miles of rivers, according to the state. Gov. Sarah Palin sent a letter to President Obama Monday asking the him to declare a “major disaster” in Alaska — a move that could send cash to local governments and households. Ann Strongheart, a resident of the village of Nunam Iqua on the lower Yukon says that breakup started there last night, and that the village is fortunately experiencing…
Federal Dollars v. Federal Dollars. And the Winner is…
Governor Palin has requested assistance from (dum da dum dum) the federal government. (Imagine that “federal government” part done in some kind of creepy, drippy Halloween font). Shortly after the Federal Emergency Management Agency had arrived in Alaska last week, the Governor announced that she had decided to ask for a damage assessment. That was very convenient, of course, because they were already here doing one. And now the governor is requesting a federal disaster declaration so that Alaska may be eligible for federal money to help in relief efforts. She’s so eager for the federal money, apparently, that she’s not even waiting…
Rural Update – Rebuilding Eagle and How You Can Help!
Just got the following message from yukonbushgrma out in flood-ravaged Eagle. The City of Eagle is now collecting relief donations via a Paypal account, so those of you who wish to help in that way, here are the directions ************************************************************* [By Yukonbushgrma] We finally have the specifics on how folks can donate to “Rebuild Eagle” via Paypal. Thanks to everyone for patiently waiting while we got the account set up! And PLEASE — if you wish, please spread the word to everyone in your address book! This Paypal fund, “Rebuild Eagle,” is set up to benefit those who have lost…
Rural Update – Report on Flooding in Eagle
As many of you know, Mudflatter yukonbushgrma has an unfortunate ringside seat to this year’s unprecedented flooding of the Yukon, which devastated the community of Eagle. Here is her report from the scene and some unbelievable photos of how everything looks today. Fortunately all the people managed to get out of their homes and there was no loss of life, but there is a huge cleanup and rebuilding effort that lies ahead. For those who have asked “What can I do to help?” there is information after the report. **************************************************** From yukonbushgrma This week we will be moving for the…
Rural Update – How You Can Help Victims of Flooding.
The Red Cross in Fairbanks is helping flood victims in the Interior. Anyone who is interested and wants to do something for those in Eagle, and the Tanana area is encouraged by the Red Cross to send “comfort kits” composed of toiletry items such as: shampoo, soap, wash cloths, etc. Remember, those flat-rate boxes from the post office can hold a lot! We learned that from the Western Alaska food drive. The flooding this year was the worst in recorded history. You can send your Mudflats care package of toiletries to: Spring Flood 09 c/o Red Cross 725 26th Ave Suite…
Rural Update – News from the Flood Zone
The unprecedented flooding on the Yukon River has wiped out riverside homes and buildings, devastating the village of Eagle with enormous chunks of ice and raging floodwaters. Residents were able to escape but had to leave their homes and most of their possessions behind. Mudflatter Yukonbushgrandma who is a frequent commenter here on The Mudflats was right in the thick of things in the flood zone. This is her story. I will post updates as they become available. Right now, she and her husband are staying with friends on higher ground, and they are safe. Our thoughts go out to…