Sunday, August 28, 2011

FEMA to Include 10 More NY Counties in Emergency Declaration

Additional State Resources Directed to Counties With Severe Flooding and Evacuations

Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved an additional ten counties to receive federal assistance as a result of Hurricane Irene.

The initial declaration included the five boroughs as well as Nassau and Suffolk counties on Long Island. Today FEMA added Columbia, Delaware, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Schoharie, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties for emergency protective measures and direct federal assistance.

"Although the storm is now moving out of New York, we must turn our focus on cleaning up and providing assistance where it is needed," Governor Cuomo said.

"This FEMA declaration will direct additional resources to areas impacted by the storm and aid in the emergency response efforts. I urge all New Yorkers to continue to exercise extreme caution in the days ahead."


Governor Cuomo has also directed members of the National Guard and personnel from the State Police and Department of Environmental Conservation to Greene and Schoharie Counties where severe flash flooding has stranded residents. Evacuations have been ordered by local officials anticipating more flooding. Officials in Schoharie County have ordered the immediate evacuation of residents in the villages of Schoharie and Middleburgh.

Approximately 100 National Guard personnel were directed to Greene County to assist with the protection of life in the face of flash-flooding. Another 210 were directed to Schoharie County. Humvees, high-clearance vehicles and dozens of pieces of heavy construction equipment will be used to clear roads so that evacuations can take place. Approximately 35 State Police personnel were also dispatched.

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