Heavy rains have caused widespread flooding in the U.S. state of Washington, resulting in the evacuation of tens of thousands of people, authorities reported, according to LETA citing DPA.
Governor Bob Ferguson urged residents of at-risk areas to leave the territory and follow local authorities' instructions on Thursday.
Evacuation orders affect about 100,000 people.
"I understand that many residents of our state have faced serious flooding in the past," Ferguson stated on the platform X.
"However, we are currently dealing with a historic situation — water levels are expected to exceed the previous record by two feet (61 centimeters)," the governor emphasized.
More than 30 major highways have been closed to traffic. The governor also declared a statewide emergency to quickly mobilize resources and bring in additional personnel.
The National Guard has been deployed to assist in rescue operations in flooded areas. Helicopters and boats were used to evacuate people. Dozens of rivers have overflowed, flooding towns and agricultural land.
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