ANNAPOLIS, MD—Following severe flooding in Western Maryland earlier this month, Governor Wes Moore has requested a Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This assessment will help determine if the state meets the criteria for a Presidential Disaster Declaration, unlocking federal aid for communities impacted by the May 13-14 floods.

Torrential rainfall and flash flooding caused significant damage to homes, infrastructure, and incurred substantial response costs in Allegany and Garrett counties. These counties have requested that the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) schedule the assessments as soon as possible. “Moving in partnership with first responders, local leaders, and state officials, we have mounted a swift and aggressive response to the devastating flood in Western Maryland,” said Governor Moore. “But the breadth of damage requires us to accelerate our work in this moment, not slow down. This Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment will help ensure Marylanders get the help they need as we work together to rebuild.”

The Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment, conducted in collaboration with FEMA, MDEM, and local emergency management officials, will validate the extent of the damage. This information is crucial in supporting the request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration under the Stafford Act, which would provide federal disaster assistance.

“Our teams have been on the ground since the flooding began, working hand-in-hand with local officials to support residents and begin recovery,” said MDEM Secretary Russ Strickland. “This damage assessment will help ensure we have the information needed to seek federal assistance and long-term support for Western Maryland communities.”

Since the flooding, the MDEM and various state agencies have been actively supporting county-led recovery efforts, providing resources such as damage assessments, volunteer coordination, and donations management. The state remains committed to supporting the needs of impacted communities while preparing for the formal assessment process.

The Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment process involves multidisciplinary teams surveying affected areas to gather data on the scope and severity of the damage. This data is then used to support the request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration, which, if granted, would unlock various forms of federal aid.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.

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