'Be prepared to evacuate': Nez Perce Tribe declares emergency due to heavy flooding

Tuesday, April 9, 2019  

The Nez Perce Tribe has declared a state of emergency due to heavy flooding on and near the reservation in Idaho.

"If you are in a flood zone or located at a low elevation near water, please be prepared to evacuate,' the tribe said in an announcement on Tuesday.

According to the tribe, water levels in creeks and rivers are rising. Mudslides have already resulted in the closure of portions of three highways, the Idaho Department of Transportation said in a series of announcements on social media.

"Families, please check on your loved ones. Your assistance in helping with children and the elderly is greatly appreciated," the tribe said.

The tribe is asking volunteers to help place sandbags around threatened homes and to help divert water from streams, The Lewiston Tribune reported. A spokesperson told the paper that several elderly and disabled people live in the flood plain.

For those wishing to donate food or supplies, they can be dropped off at the Pi-Nee-Waus Community Center in Lapwai and the Wa-A’Yas Community Center in Kamiah. Both centers are also available for use as shelters.

For more information contact Rebecca for Pi-Nee-Waus at (208)791-7732 or rebeccam@nezperce.org and Etta for Wa-A’Yas at (208)935-5261.

Mud slides reported, Nez Perce Tribe declares state of emergency (The Lewiston Tribune April 9, 2019)
Nez Perce Tribe Declares State of Emergency (DailyFly.Com April 9, 2019)