Severe Flooding Prompts Lamont County to Declare State of Emergency

Severe Flooding Prompts Lamont County to Declare State of Emergency

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

At 2:47 pm on June 8, Lamont County council declared a State of Local Emergency, (SOLE).

The declaration stated, “Pursuant to the Emergency Management Act Section 21(1) due to overland flooding and drainage issues.”

On June 10 Lamont County website posted all of the road closures.

“As we work to repair and open roads, please be aware conditions can change abruptly at any given location especially with heavy, large farm equipment. It is essential that everyone obey all road closure signs and barriers for their safety. Lamont County will be enforcing LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY on CLOSED roads. Caution is required on all Lamont County roads at this time.

Please be advised that the state of county infrastructure due to recent rain and flooding is being treated as a #1 priority; all Lamont County Public Works staff have been redirected to road & drainage maintenance duties.

On June 12 Lamont County advised residents that two large beaver dams in the Cooking Lake Blackfalls Recreation Area have caused flooding in the Tagore Estates subdivision. Lamont County Emergency Services have been going door-to-door to inform residents of the potential need to evacuate.

Anyone requiring emergency assistance is asked to call 911.”

Shayne Milliken, Regional Fire Chief for Lamont County, issued this notice on June 15, stating: “Please be advised that effective 1500hrs today Lamont County’s State of Local Emergency (SOLE) has been terminated as we have reached the maximum seven day mark under the Emergency Management Act and do not forsee any extraordinary measures (i.e. mandatory evacuations, etc.) needing to be taken in the near future.

This certainly does not undermine the disaster that some of our residents face with overland flooding. Daily assessments continue to be done and a SOLE can be re-declared at any time, and for any location in the County, whenever the criteria is met within the Act.”