Damage estimates of destruction caused by the flooding of the Snohomish, Stillaguamish and Sauk rivers continued to rise Friday to $5.2 million.
"I expect that number to climb over the next couple of days," said Paul Hess, spokesman for the Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management.
The flood caused an estimated $1.9 million in damage to private land and an additional $3.3 million in damage to public property, he said.
The estimate rose from $4.9 million as homeowners reported more flood damage Friday. Emergency management officials have received about 50 reports of damage from residents. The flooding directly affected at least 100 people, Hess said.
Federal and state officials inspected affected areas in Snohomish County on Friday, he said.
The county was hit with early fall floods after record rainfall drenched the Puget Sound area. It was the most serious flooding on record for October, according to the National Weather Service.
In Silvana, residents recovering from the flood got some good news Friday. The city’s flood-damaged water system was repaired and people no longer have to boil their drinking water, said Silvana Water Company operator Eric Fuentes.
"We’re back in good shape," he said.
The flood broke a water main, which was repaired Thursday, but the company needed to test the water to ensure that it was safe to drink, he said.
Today and Sunday, Red Cross workers will be going door-to-door in Darrington, Sultan, Gold Bar, Index and Granite Falls to help residents clean up, said Leslie Schaffer, interim executive director of the Snohomish County American Red Cross chapter.
Schaffer said workers will distribute cleanup kits containing a mop, bucket, broom, rubber gloves and disinfectant.
"We’re trying to reach people in the field this weekend instead of their having to come to the Everett office," Schaffer said.
Red Cross workers will also distribute free "dump run" coupons to eligible families, Schaffer said. The coupons can be used to dispose of flood-damaged items at one of the county’s transfer stations. The coupons are also available at the Red Cross office, 2530 Lombard Ave. in Everett.
Those in need of Red Cross assistance or who want to arrange a home visit may call 425-252-4103 for an appointment.
Reporter Janice Podsada:
425-339-3029 or
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