- Federal damage assessment teams have been requested by the DeSantis Administration to survey damage from heavy rains, flooding and tornadoes in Southeast Florida.
- State emergency officials are using tanker trucks and water pumps to help remove water from the area, while shelters and comfort stations were set up to support affected residents.
- Various state agencies are working together to repair damaged roads, assist local businesses, and ensure the safety and well-being of residents as the region recovers from the flooding.
Florida emergency management officials have formally submitted a request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to send in damage assessment teams to inspect flooded sites in Southeast Florida. Last week, heavy rains and flooding hit the area, causing Governor Ron DeSantis to declare a state of emergency in Broward County.
To help with the flood recovery efforts, the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) said on Monday that over 20 large trucks and water pumps have been dispatched to help remove water from affected neighborhoods in Ft. Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Dania Beach. In the Melrose Park neighborhood alone, over 100,000 gallons of water were removed overnight on April 16, and operations are still ongoing.
Flooding wasn’t the only problem, though. The National Weather Service confirmed two small tornadoes touched down in the area, causing further damage. One was located just southwest of the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, and the other was just west of I-95 and north of Sheridan Street in Hollywood, Florida.
According to a briefing from the Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM), the agency said it is working with local agencies to support residents affected by the storm. Two shelters were opened, providing space for 95 people and 18 pets. Multiple “comfort stations” were also set up, offering food, water, restrooms, charging stations, and showers to those in need.
The Florida Department of Transportation has been working to fix damaged roads and manage traffic in the area. The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport remains open, as does Port Everglades, which is crucial for fuel deliveries to impacted areas.
Other state agencies, such as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, are also contributing to the relief efforts. This includes providing support for local businesses affected by the flooding and ensuring the safety of residents in the area.
As the cleanup efforts continue, officials say that residents and local businesses should be vigilant and report suspected price gouging or unfair price increases during the state of emergency.
Until our state ceases wetland mitigation, this will continue. It is a proven fact that this methodology does not work. Natural wetlands are the only way to protect properties from flooding. However, NO ONE will admit it because of the MONEY involved. It is sad.