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Trump approves FEMA funding for 2025 WA flooding disaster

By and
Published  April 12, 2026 4:52pm PDT
Flooding
FOX 13 Seattle
FEMA disaster assistance funding approved for Washington after December flooding

FEMA disaster assistance funding approved for Washington after December flooding

Federal disaster funding has been approved for Washington following widespread flooding that damaged thousands of homes. Officials say impacted residents can begin applying for assistance as recovery continues.

SEATTLE - The Trump administration has approved Washington's request for FEMA money following a relentless series of atmospheric rivers that damaged nearly 4,000 homes from Mason County all the way to Yakima County in late 2025. By the end of December, National Guard troops were patrolling levees around the state that were at risk of failure. 

Governor Bob Ferguson estimated our state saw around $182 million in total damage. The state applied for federal assistance in February. 

This approval from the Trump administration now means federal funding will be available to all impacted counties. The dollar amount is still unclear.

(WA National Guard)

What you can do:

If the flooding affected you, you should first file a claim with your insurance. Afterward, you may then apply for funds at the federal disaster assistance web page.

If you're thinking that this topic of FEMA assistance for the floods sounds familiar, you might recall that right after the floods in December is when President Trump approved what's called an "emergency declaration" for our state. 

this morning, Snohomish County Fire District #4 deployed four rescue swimmers to assist evacuating residents from their homes. Their homes began taking in flood waters late Wednesday evening. The rescue swimmers used an inflatable kayak to successfully evacuate five adults, one child, three dogs, and three cats to safety. Other affected residents on Lincoln Ave have chosen to shelter in place. There are multiple road closures in the district with signs in place; however, many do not. SCFD #4 urges the community not to drive through floodwater. Please turn around and have alternative routes available, and if at all possible, please stay home. Please see the four attached photos of this morning's evacuation.

(Snohomish County Fire District #4)

The Apr. 11 announcement is a little different; It's called a "major disaster declaration." Both declarations authorize the president to give federal disaster assistance. 

The first declaration is to provide more immediate resources and help during the initial emergency. The major declaration, announced Saturday, includes more permanent support like repairing certain structures.

Flooding along the river in Hamilton, Washington. (FOX 13 Seattle)

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