BURLINGTON, Wash. (Echosphere News) — Residents of Burlington, Washington, are grappling with historic flooding as an atmospheric river inundates the region with relentless rain, resulting in evacuation orders and heroic rescues.
Eddie Wicks, who has lived in the area for years, experienced firsthand the rapid rise of water levels, recalling how the floodwaters surged up to four feet in just a few hours. It was hours, not days, he remarked as he and his family scrambled to move their animals to higher ground.
On Thursday afternoon, Wicks and his family were rescued by deputies from the King County Sheriff's Office's marine unit as their home became engulfed by floodwaters, forcing them to navigate a boat across what had become a lake of their field.
This alarming situation has forced thousands to evacuate, particularly those living near the Skagit River flood plain, including the farming community of Burlington and surrounding areas. Emergency services have conducted numerous water rescues, responding to residents stranded on rooftops and in vehicles.
The National Guard has been deployed to assist in evacuating residents, ensuring they reach safe shelters as the torrent continues to threaten their homes.
Weather experts warn that the heavy rains causing this deluge are a result of climate change, leading to more intense and frequent severe storms across the Pacific Northwest.
Despite the chaos, local officials express relief that no fatalities have been reported as the situation unfolds, although they urgently assess the damages and continue monitoring the rising water levels for further risk.
As the community bands together to respond to this disaster, the long-term effects of climate change linger as a stark reminder of the growing environmental challenges faced nationwide.
