Washington floods: We’re currently responding

After historic flooding struck West Washington state, All Hands & Hearts has mobilized to support residents with debris removal, muck and gutting, and home assessments.

Days of relentless, heavy rain caused severe flooding across Western Washington, leaving hundreds of homes damaged and families displaced.

Multiple feet of frigid, dirt-laden water inundated the town of Sumas and its surrounding areas, damaging hundreds of homes and businesses. When residents were unable to evacuate in time, emergency responders stepped in. Dozens of people were rescued from their rooftops by a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter as waters still continued to rise.

As soon as conditions allowed, the All Hands & Hearts team mobilized in Sumas and the surrounding Whatcom and Skagit counties to begin recovery work.

High-water lines are seen on nearly every home and vehicle in the flood zone, visible in muddy stripes along siding and doors. Trash, leaves and debris cling to chain-link fences, while a layers of silt coats floors, walls and belongings inside homes.

This past weekend alone, the team completed debris removal, crawl space cleanouts, and multiple home assessments, while continuing muck and gut operations and mold sanitation efforts to help prevent further damage.

One of those homes belongs to Mark, a Sumas resident whose home was heavily impacted by the flood. Our team completed crawl space work and muck-and-gut quality control at his residence, helping stabilize the home and prepare it for the next phase of recovery.

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