Joint State And Federal Damage Assessments Underway In Flooded Nevada Town 

Release Date: January 6, 2008
Release Number: R9-08-003

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OAKLAND, Calif. -- Just one day after the canal breach in Fernley, Nev., the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is conducting Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) with Nevada state and local officials.

FEMA Region IX’s Advanced Emergency Response Team arrived at the State Emergency Operations Center today, where it joined with state officials and formed two PDA teams, which will tour the damaged area via National Guard aircraft this afternoon. The teams are comprised of state and local officials, along with representatives from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration. When complete, the final damage assessment information will aid the State of Nevada in determining whether to request a presidential declaration request for the affected area.

In addition, the U.S. Coast Guard delivered nine pallets totaling 18,000 Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) to a staging area set up at Naval Air Station Fallon. A third load of 2,000 MREs will be delivered later today. Twenty-eight pallets of water arrived at the shelter at Fernley High School last night in support of the Nevada emergency response. FEMA’s Region IX Regional Response Coordination Center in Oakland, Calif. remains at a 24-hour operational status.

The Red Cross currently is operating a shelter at Fernley High School, providing meals and information to affected residents.

A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Power Team was demobilized this morning after the state said there were no requirements for emergency power.

The breach, which occurred yesterday, has been temporality repaired by Lyon County officials. There has been no additional flooding and natural drainage has helped reduce water levels in the area.

FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Last Modified: Sunday, 06-Jan-2008 21:42:47