Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge today declared a disaster emergency to exist in eight western Pennsylvania counties in response to flooding caused by severe thunderstorms that hit the area Thursday and Friday. Based on initial reports of disaster conditions from county emergency managers, the Governor proclaimed a disaster emergency to exist in Blair, Clarion, Crawford, Greene, Indiana, Jefferson, Mercer, and Venango counties.
Local officials report extensive damage to homes, businesses, roads and bridges.
By proclaiming a disaster emergency to exist, the Governor authorizes additional state resources to help flood-affected communities respond to the flooding. The proclamation is also a prerequisite to a request for federal aid. This disaster proclamation will enable state staff to support local emergency response efforts. Together, we can expand and accelerate the response process on behalf of the victims of this disaster. Ridge noted that the proclamation provides an important level of state government support to county and community leaders.