OLYMPIA—Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson on January 21, in unison with the entire bi-partisan Washington state congressional delegation the following day, sent letters to President Donald J Trump requesting critical FEMA designation, and funding, to help communities impacted by the record-breaking flooding in December 2025. For nearly two weeks in December, many rivers across Washington State experienced between 20 and 30 inches of rain – that’s 300% to 600% higher than normal.
“I request that you declare a Major Disaster for the State of Washington as a result of the damages caused by this continuous series of severe atmospheric rivers, flooding, landslides, high winds, and mudslides that occurred from December 5, 2025, through December 22, 2025,” Gov. Bob Ferguson wrote in his letter requesting President Trump to designate a Major Disaster Declaration for Washington state. “This historic disaster is of such severity and magnitude that effective recovery exceeds the capability of the state and local governments in impacted areas, requiring supplemental federal assistance to recover from this disaster.
Gov. Ferguson on December 10, 2025, declared emergencies in 13 counties and seven Tribal Nations, directing $3.5 million in state aid and activating relief programs. President Trump approved a federal emergency declaration on December 12, enabling 75% cost-share for protective measures like debris removal in affected counties. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. issued a public health emergency on Christmas Eve to streamline care access.
Gov. Ferguson is also requesting $21.3 million (maximum allowable according to the Governor’s office) in FEMA Individual Assistance funds for survivors in affected counties and Tribal nations for Mass Care and Emergency Assistance, Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program, Disaster Unemployment Assistance, Disaster Legal Services, Disaster Case Management, and the Individuals and Households Program. The FEMA Individual Assistance is intended to support individuals with limited means to help repair their homes or find stable housing until a more permanent solution is available.
More than 100,000 people were under evacuation orders, 383 emergency rescues were conducted, one person lost their life, and nearly 4,000 homes were damaged or which 440 were destroyed. The state’s Disaster Cash Assistance Program of January 20, provided nearly $1 million in direct aid to more than 2,600 households.
If FEMA approves Individual Assistance as part of the major disaster declaration, the next step for residents is to apply directly with FEMA. Governor Ferguson’s request currently includes Chelan, Grays Harbor, King, Lewis, Pacific, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, and Whatcom counties, as well as 15 federally recognized Tribal nations. In addition, if the federal government declares a major disaster, impacted homeowners, renters, business owners and non-profits can also apply for low-interest loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Video sent to Trump by Governor’s Office requesting a major disaster declaration
“Our state’s been through a historic, natural disaster. Floods have devasted communities all across our state,” said Gov. Ferguson said in a video sent to President Trump.
Kevin Wickersham, with the Washington State Department of Emergency Management, reported damage in 27 of the state’s 39 counties.
“Between the coastal flooding, the river flooding, the high winds, the mountain snow, we have disaster all across the landscape in Washington,” said Wickersham.
Mike Khazak, Washington homeowner and flood survivor, witnessed his house being swept away by a river during Washington’s flooding. In terms of scope, there’s nearly 200 miles between where Mike Khazak’s home floated down the Noocksack River (in Whatcom County) to a flooded RV park in Packwood.
“I didn’t even get a chance to get a bag of personal belongings out of the actual house,” said Khazak. “Without some sort of federal funding I don’t know where I’m going to live.”
According to Lewis County Fire Chief Lonnie Goble, the first night of the flooding Fire District #10 rescued 21 people before the Sheriff’s Department even sent in boat rescues.
“It hurts people when they lose everything,” said Chief Goble. “It was the most substantial flooding I’ve seen in the last 19 years.”
But it will take more than money to help and restore communities, Bob Ferguson’s Office said Wednesday.
Simply put, a FEMA major disaster designation changes everything, according to Republican Representative Joshua Penner of the 31st District.
“That’s part of the duty that we owe our citizens as government, to make sure that we take care of them in natural disasters,” said Rep. Penner.
FEMA funds will help the most vulnerable, like 88- and 89-year-old Maria and Tom Horn, Washington flood survivors whose house was completely destroyed.
“What we miss most about our house is the front porch, where we used to sit out in the summer and listen to the birds,” said Maria Horn.
Gov. Fergson said he is asking FEMA for major disaster designation, and funding, to help people like The Horns and Mike Khazak, who have lost it all.
“Each mother, father, and grandparent who survived this storm tells a story of resiliency, pride, and community. With the federal government’s help, the next story they’ll share is one of hope,” a video sent by Bob Ferguson’s team to President Donald Trump said.
Letter to Trump by Washington State Delegation
Congressional leaders across Washington sent a request of their own to President Trump urging him to approve Governor Bob Ferguson’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance. The letter was signed every member of the Washington State Delegation: Sen. Cantwell (D-WA), Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and U.S. Representatives Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01), Rick Larsen (D, WA-02), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D, WA-03), Dan Newhouse (R, WA-04), Michael Baumgartner (R, WA-05), Emily Randall (D, WA-06), Pramila Jayapal (D, WA-07), Kim Schrier (D, WA-08), Adam Smith (D, WA-09), and Marilyn Strickland (D, WA-10).
The letter, in its entirety, reads:
“Dear Mr. President,
As members of the Washington state delegation, we write in support of Washington state’s January 21, 2026, request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance due to devastating flood damages incurred from December 5 through December 22. The individual assistance requested by Governor Ferguson is essential for the thousands of Washingtonians whose homes were destroyed or significantly damaged. We implore you to approve the request for assistance as quickly as possible.”
“This system of “atmospheric rivers” has brought torrential rain, wind, and snow to much of the region, resulting in record-breaking flooding and power outages for thousands of residents. Hundreds of communities were immediately at risk, forcing hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians across the state to evacuate, including the entire city of Burlington and Sedro-Woolley. In the city of Pacific, a breached levee left hundreds of homes vulnerable to floodwater. This storm claimed the life of one Washingtonian and has damaged the homes and livelihoods of many more.”
“From the Olympic Peninsula to Central Washington, communities across the state experienced devastating losses. An initial assessment found that catastrophic flooding and devastating winds affected nearly 4,000 homes across 17 counties. More than eleven percent of affected homes were destroyed or severely damaged and thousands of residences will require significant repair or replacement. While the state was able to provide some assistance for residents whose homes were severely impacted, it requires additional federal support to meet the need across the state.”
“We reiterate our full support for the January 21, 2026 request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance. We appreciate you in advance for your prompt attention to this urgent matter.”
Author: Mario Lotmore
