As the death toll climbs over 20, and the extent of damage from the Oso, WA mudslide continues to be evaluated, Inslee's request would allow a variety of federal programs to assist victims of the March 22 catastrophe.

Monday Inslee said :

“I am hopeful that the President can act favorably and quickly on this request to provide assistance to help the survivors begin to recover from this terrible disaster,” he said. “Words cannot describe the devastation done to the community of Oso and the impact the landslide continues to have in Darrington, Arlington and neighboring communities.”

Being declared a federal disaster area will not only bring in support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) but will provide numerous programs that will help victims logistically and financially.  Disaster housing, grants, and support and counseling programs will be made available, as well as unemployment insurance.  This will cover people who's jobs were literally wiped out due to the massive mudslide.

Besides the immediate area of the slide, the nearby communities of Darrington and Arlington, WA have suffered considerable physical and economic damage.  In addition to the actual mudslide, extensive flooding and road and highway disruptions have occurred because of the environmental event.

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