Emergency Declared in Arizona Counties Due to Severe Weather
Communities in Navajo and Coconino counties are grappling with the aftermath of severe flooding and tornadoes. In response, Gov. Katie Hobbs has declared a state of emergency to support recovery efforts in these rural and tribal areas.
Gov. Hobbs’ declaration has allocated $200,000 to a state emergency management agency for use in aiding the affected communities. This decision comes as another storm is forecasted to bring more potential flooding to the Four Corners region over the weekend, impacting residents who have already faced evacuations and property damage.
“I am committed to making sure each community has the resources it needs to continue recovering, and am thankful to everyone who is supporting ongoing recovery efforts,” Gov. Hobbs stated in a press release.
During a visit to the Nackard Pepsi bottling plant in Flagstaff, Hobbs addressed the flooding situation and announced plans to meet with leaders from the Navajo, Hopi, and San Juan Southern Paiute tribes. She emphasized the state’s collaboration with county and tribal emergency managers to provide necessary support.
The process for declaring an emergency involves local jurisdictions, such as counties, requesting state-level intervention. A state lawmaker from Navajo County had initially reached out to Hobbs for an emergency declaration. If warranted, Hobbs can escalate the matter to seek federal assistance, which would involve the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and potentially a presidential declaration.
Despite the current challenges, an aide from Hobbs’ office indicated that the situation in northern Arizona does not yet meet the criteria for federal emergency declarations.
Unique Pathways for Tribal Nations
Federally recognized tribal nations, however, possess a distinct route for requesting disaster relief. They can directly appeal to FEMA for declarations, which may result in financial aid and other support for affected residents.
The Hopi Tribe has already declared its own state of emergency and is seeking further assistance from state and federal authorities. In Rock Point on the Navajo Nation, FEMA is conducting preliminary assessments of the damage, although the Navajo Nation has yet to formally request a disaster declaration from FEMA.
“`
—
Read More Arizona News
