AUGUSTA, Maine — Editor's note: The attached video was originally posted on Jan. 10, 2024.
Maine Gov. Janet Mills announced Thursday that she has declared a State of Civil Emergency for the state's coastal counties.
Cumberland, Hancock, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Waldo, Washington, and York—were impacted significantly Tuesday night into Wednesday after a storm brought severe rain and wind that caused flooding and infrastructure damage to several coastal areas.
Maine is also preparing for another storm, slated to bring more flooding and damage to coastal areas this weekend.
"The Governor’s declaration of a State of Civil Emergency mobilizes all State of Maine resources to assist and support response and recovery efforts, to prepare for the significant rain and wind event forecast for this coming Saturday, and to position the State to seek disaster support from the Federal government," a news release from the governor's office stated.
The release added that declaring this state of civil emergency will strengthen the state's ability to seek financial assistance through a Federal Disaster Declaration.
"Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has begun working with local partners to assess the damage caused by the storm," the release explained. "The Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR), with the support of the Maine Forest Service, is conducting an aerial survey along the coast today to document damage."
"Significant rain, wind, and flooding have once again ravaged our state—this time our small communities up and down the coast. The damage we are seeing is devastating, from working waterfronts, to small businesses, to public roadways and more," Gov. Mills said in Thursday's release.
The State of Civil Emergency was declared verbally Thursday, as permitted under state statute. Mills' office said a written copy of the declaration will be available within 24 hours once it is filed with the Secretary of State.
"The State of the Civil Emergency will last for one week, and the Governor will continue to evaluate the necessity of it on a day-to-day basis," the release said.
Individuals of private industry and privately owned commercial infrastructure, including wharfs, floats, and vessels, who experienced property damage from Tuesday night's storm can document and report damage through the online Business and Agriculture Initial Damage Assessment Survey.
"This is not an application for assistance nor a guarantee of financial assistance. Submission of damage information will help the State of Maine best understand the extent of damage from the January 10th storm," the release said. "Individuals who sustained damages to their primary residence are encouraged to report their damages to 211 Maine or report that damage by filling out the Individuals & Households Initial Damage Assessment Survey (online). This is also not an application for assistance nor a guarantee of financial assistance."
If that damage meets the financial statutory threshold exceeding the State’s ability to respond, Governor Mills will seek another Federal Disaster Declaration—in addition to the one the State is preparing to submit to the Federal government for last month’s storm.
According to the release, if the damage assessed meets the financial statutory threshold that exceeds the state's ability to respond, Mills will then seek another Federal Disaster Declaration in addition to the one that the state is preparing to submit in response to last month's storm.
"MEMA and its partners will continue to monitor the impacts of this [weekend's] storm and make preparations for Saturday’s weather event. I strongly urge Maine people to follow the direction of local emergency officials to protect themselves and their property to the greatest extent possible," Gov. Mills said Thursday. "Remember, it is never safe to walk through flowing water, drive through flooded areas, or drive around road barriers."
For more information about resources and assistance, you can access the online Maine Flood Resources and Assistance Hub that was launched by Mills last month in response to the December storm.
For non-emergency assistance, including information such as where to find warming or charging centers, Mainers can call 211 or text their zip code to 898-211. For emergency assistance, please call 911.
"The State stands ready to assist other counties impacted by the storm as well," the release said.