Bend, Ore. — Flooding that began weeks ago in Harney County, Oregon, continued to wreak havoc on local communities Monday night, with efforts to assist trapped residents intensifying. Hundreds of people were evacuated over the weekend, but the floodwaters remained high, leaving homes, roads, and critical infrastructure submerged.
According to the Red Cross, at least 400 homeowners had been evacuated at one point as floodwaters surged, but as of Monday, no injuries or fatalities had been reported. Despite the lack of casualties, the situation remains dire, with roads impassable and concerns rising about potential sewage backups into people’s homes. The City of Burns issued a statement saying that while the water remains safe to drink, there is a growing risk that sewage systems may fail. Schools in Burns were closed on Tuesday due to the ongoing emergency.
The flooding, which officials say is the worst seen in the area since the 1950s, was triggered by a combination of heavy snowmelt and intense rainfall that overwhelmed local rivers and streams. The Silvies River, which feeds into the city, flooded over the weekend, causing significant damage to roads and public spaces. Burns City Park remains entirely submerged, and Highway 20 has been reduced to a single lane over the Silvies River due to rising waters, which are expected to stay high for several more days.
Riley Richardson, a Burns resident, described the situation as unprecedented, explaining that this winter saw record snowfall in the area, with his own backyard accumulating up to four feet of snow. As the snow melted, it overwhelmed the river systems, resulting in widespread flooding. “When it melted, it overtook the Silvies, which overtook several dams, including the levee that was right here, and that flooded all of us,” Richardson said.
In the face of these challenges, the local community has shown resilience and resourcefulness. Dennis Montague and a friend quickly mobilized their boats to assist neighbors who were stranded by the rising waters. “We rescued him and his dogs and then we started helping other people out that needed it. The sheriff showed up with a boat, and between our two boats, we spent five or six hours rescuing people and dogs and baggage and whatever we could get out,” Montague recalled.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office sent two swift-water rescue teams to assist in the recovery efforts, with airboats being used to help cut down trees and reinforce levees. “We’ve got a warm spot with cots as well as some RV spaces that people can utilize thanks to the fairgrounds here as a community partner. And then, of course, more meals and other support as we can bring it to them,” said Morgan Schmidt, Executive Director of the Red Cross of Central and Eastern Oregon.
As of Monday, Hines Middle School in Burns had been converted into a temporary shower facility, offering towels and hygiene products to evacuees from noon to 8 p.m. The ongoing flood damage has led Governor Tina Kotek to declare a state of emergency for Harney County, which will expedite state-level assistance. The declaration allows for resources and personnel to be deployed quickly to aid local responders and ensure public safety.
“The conditions are evolving rapidly, and my office is monitoring closely. I urge residents to check on your neighbors, follow the instructions and evacuation levels issued by emergency officials, subscribe to emergency alerts on ORAlert.gov, have an evacuation plan, prepare a go-kit, and stay aware of changing conditions,” Governor Kotek said in a statement.
Despite the challenges, community members have demonstrated incredible unity and strength. Local authorities continue to coordinate evacuation efforts, while nearby counties and agencies offer additional resources to bolster the response. As the waters slowly recede, residents of Harney County are hopeful that the worst of the crisis may soon be over, but many understand that full recovery will take time and continued support from the community and state.
