Trump approves emergency FEMA aid as Washington battles 'catastrophic' floods

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump has greenlit emergency FEMA aid for Washington after days of relentless rain turned streets into rivers. Thousands of people had to evacuate their homes.

Governor Bob Ferguson took to social media to share the news, thanking the federal government and calling the situation an “extremely challenging time.” He also gave a shoutout to everyone pitching in to help.

The flooding has caused major damage in Skagit County, with bridges underwater, roads washed out, and communities struggling to stay safe.

Trump orders FEMA aid to Washington as residents cling to car roofs in catastrophic state flooding

Governor Bob Ferguson on Saturday, December 13, shared a post saying, "I just received a phone call from Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. Secretary Noem informed me that the president signed your request for an emergency declaration. We have also received written confirmation of that emergency declaration."

He added, "I expressed my thanks to Secretary Noem on behalf of the people of the state of Washington during this extremely challenging time. More details at our 2 pm media availability."

Alongside the post, Ferguson attached a declaration form dated December 12, 2025, with details in it about the signed order

Tens of thousands evacuated as floodwaters devastate Washington communities

The Skagit Valley is basically underwater. Authorities have ordered everyone in the 100-year floodplain, including Burlington, Hamilton, La Conner, Lyman, and parts of Mount Vernon and Sedro-Woolley, to evacuate immediately.

That’s around 78,000 people just in the floodplain, with about 100,000 across the state in flood-prone areas facing evacuation. The National Weather Service isn’t mincing words: this flooding is “catastrophic and potentially life threatening.” Some videos show residents stranded on rooftops or trapped in their cars.

Rivers like the Skagit and Snohomish, plus their tributaries, could wipe out nearby communities, and the nonstop rain is also raising the risk of landslides. Roads are already blocked with debris, including major routes like US 2 and Interstate 90.

Thousands have been told to move to higher ground, and there are serious concerns about whether levees and dikes can hold back the floodwaters, which are expected to peak soon, as per My Edmonds News.  

On the other hand, Ferguson has called in the Washington National Guard, with troops busy filling sandbags along the Skagit River. By late Thursday, around 300 guardsmen are expected to be helping out in the worst-hit areas.

CNN Weather reported that climate change played a key role in driving “frequent” and “heavier precipitation” across the Pacific Northwest and much of the United States. The outlet added that much of the rainfall in Washington this week reflected a “warming climate,” with warmer air holding more water vapor.