Authorities in Washington state have issued an urgent evacuation order for parts of three major Seattle suburbs after a critical levee failed following a week of relentless heavy rain.
Immediate Evacuation Ordered for Green River Area
On Monday, officials from King County mandated the immediate evacuation of homes and businesses situated east of the Green River. The order specifically impacts areas within the south Seattle suburbs of Kent, Auburn, and Tukwila. This directive comes as a direct response to the failure of a levee, which could no longer hold back the rising waters.
Record Rainfall and Widespread Impact
The crisis follows an entire week of record-level flooding across the state. The cause is attributed to an extraordinarily strong atmospheric river, a weather phenomenon that funneled immense moisture into the region. This system dumped more than a foot of rain, causing rivers that flow towards Canada to swell to perilous levels.
The consequences have been severe and widespread:
- The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a flash flood warning for the area, covering nearly 47,000 people.
- Mudslides have torn through communities, destroying properties and leaving families stranded.
- Rescue teams have been deployed to help people trapped on rooftops by the fast-moving water.
Ongoing Emergency Response
The situation remains dynamic and dangerous. The levee breach near the Green River represents a significant escalation of the flooding emergency that began last Thursday, as evidenced by photographs of vehicles navigating submerged roads in Kent. Emergency services are focused on life-saving measures and ensuring residents in the affected zip codes heed the evacuation orders without delay. Officials are urging people to avoid all travel through floodwaters and to follow official guidance from King County Emergency Management.
