One year ago, lives changed in a matter of seconds. Part of a mountainside slid into the Steelhead Haven neighborhood, claiming 43 lives, numerous homes and roads.
The people of Oso, Darrington, Arlington, the Stillaguamish Tribe and the Sauk-Suiattle Tribe will never be the same, but I have faith in these communities.
The Highway 530 mudslide was a heartbreaking disaster. It caused unbelievable devastation and tragic loss of life. But even through such a painful tragedy, it has been inspiring to see how the community has come together to help each other. Their response in the face of calamity has been incredible.
I last visited these communities in February, and I know recovery continues to be a slow, difficult process, but I’m confident that through our work together we’ll be able to get through these difficult times stronger and closer than ever.
Federal, state and local agencies, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the state Department of Transportation responded to calls for aid when our communities needed roads rebuilt, an extension for filing taxes, to get kids to school or find new housing.
I will continue to push for resources until these communities are fully restored. But instead of simply sending aid after a disaster, lawmakers need to do more to ensure we fund resources and research efforts to prevent future natural disasters from becoming national tragedies.
One thing that struck me most while spending time in the affected communities and with local emergency command centers was the spirit, courage and cooperation of everyone who was pitching in to help.
FEMA officials even commented that this was the first time they allowed locals to be so heavily involved in the rescue efforts. They did so because the people of these communities brought unique skills, experience and determination. For example, loggers understood how to use heavy machinery in a challenging environment with 40 feet of mud, rocks and trees. It was the first natural disaster where everyone — federal and local — worked together so well.
Lawmakers in the “other” Washington could certainly learn a lot from the people of Oso, Darrington and Arlington. We too need to work together to ensure our communities are better prepared for natural disasters.
During this session of Congress, I plan to introduce legislation that would standardize and share information, mapping, and research and mapping methods across the country while increasing funding for research and hazard assessments in high-risk areas. In addition, a primary goal of my bill will be to coalesce behind a national strategy to increase public awareness of the risks associated with landslides and identify slide-prone areas. We must also create education programs and increase rapid response efforts because, as we know all too well, disasters strike with little warning.
We will never forget those that were lost in the slide, and the incredible community that continues to be ‘Oso Strong.’
U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash, represents the 1st Congressional District.
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