Historic floods force Indigenous communities into emergency action across Washington
Historic flooding has struck Western Washington, forcing several Indigenous communities to declare states of emergency. The Lummi Nation and Snoqualmie Indian Tribe are among those hardest hit, with rising waters disrupting daily life and prompting urgent action.
The Lummi Nation, led by Chair Anthony Hillaire, announced a state of emergency as floodwaters overwhelmed their lands. Freddie Lane, a long-time member of the tribe, described the situation as 'pretty biblical,' recalling how flooding has plagued the area since his childhood. Meanwhile, evacuation orders were issued in Pierce and Skagit counties as rivers burst their banks.
The floods have forced tribes to take immediate action network steps, from emergency declarations to evacuations and closures. As waters continue to rise in some areas, communities remain on high alert, prioritising safety and support for those displaced.
