State flood damage inspectors headed to Whatcom County

State flood inspectors are in northwest Washington’s Whatcom County this week to formally assess the level of damage and dollar impact from severe flooding after days of rain fueled by an atmospheric river last week in the region.

The flooding displaced families, destroyed property and claimed the life of a man who was swept away by the floodwaters. The water levels have receded, and now it falls to the Washington State Military Department's Emergency Management division and Whatcom County officials to inspect the damage.

Inspectors will gather data to confirm information collected by communities to determine damage and help justify the request federal aid, The Bellingham Herald reported.

The Red Cross was still operating two shelters that were housing a few dozen people north of Seattle in Hamilton and Lynden as of Monday.

RELATED: Disposal site opened for Whatcom County flood debris

Gov. Jay Inslee also changed his severe weather damage emergency proclamation Friday to make emergency cash assistance available to people in the storm-affected 14 counties.

In the small city of Sumas, close to the Canada border, the city was coordinating clean-up efforts after floodwaters damaged an estimated 85% of the residences.

RELATED: Whatcom Co. community comes together to help in flood damage cleanup

Police in nearby Everson said on Facebook Saturday that over 600 volunteers in Everson and Nooksack and 500 in Sumas helped with flood cleanup.

"We helped clean up over 170 homes, eclipsed 300 tons of waste disposed of, and made a big dent in the work that was needed to start the rebuilding process," the police post said.

The Washington Department of Transportation said Monday in a Twitter thread that several roads north of Bellingham and on the Olympic Peninsula were still affected by the flooding.

Inspections will be conducted through Wednesday.

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