USA – 1 Missing After Rains Trigger Floods and Landslides in Oregon

by in News, USA

Stormy weather caused floods and landslides in parts of Oregon and Washington states in the Pacific Northwest, USA, from 13 January 2021.

Flash floods and landslide debris near Dodson, Oregon, January 2021. Photo: Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office

As of 13 January, thousands of homes were without power across the region. Two fatalities were reported as a result of wind damage.

Flash floods prompted calls for evacuations in Dodson, Oregon. Multnomah County Emergency Management urged “residents of Dodson, Oregon to evacuate the area immediately. If you know anyone in Dodson, Oregon, please consider calling them and waking them up. The situation has been deemed too dangerous to send in rescue crews.”

One person was reported missing after a landslide near Dodson. Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office said the landslide is estimated to be about 10 feet (3 metres) deep in some areas. As of 13 January, Oregon Department of Transport (OregonDOT) was working to determine whether the area is stable and safe enough to allow emergency crews to begin clearing the debris, primarily mud, boulders, logs, and continue searching for the missing person.

Elsewhere landslides in Astoria prompted at least 5 households to evacuate.

Oregon DOT reported flooded roads in Cushman, Tillamook and Seaside, and a landslide in Troutdale. Local Fire Service reported floods in Gaston.

OregonDOT warned of “a major threat in the days ahead comes from our rain-soaked hillsides that threaten to slide onto Oregon roads.”

NWS Portland said that, as of 13 January, there were still several rivers above flood stage and even some still rising toward flood stage.

Social Media