On March 29, 2025, Governor Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency in response to severe flooding in southeastern Oregon, including Harney County and the Burns Paiute Reservation.
Rapid snowmelt combined with continued precipitation has overwhelmed waterways and wastewater systems, causing significant flooding. Roads, bridges, and culverts have been inundated, disrupting emergency services, essential operations, and local commerce. Floodwaters have damaged homes, businesses, agricultural lands, and livestock areas—and additional flooding remains likely with continued warming.
“Flooding in Harney County and on the Burns Paiute Reservation is creating serious public health and environmental hazards that require all hands on deck,” said Governor Kotek. “This declaration allows the state to act swiftly to support local responders in protecting Oregonians and the things they hold dear. Conditions are evolving quickly. Please check on your neighbors, follow evacuation guidance from emergency officials, sign up for alerts at ORAlert.gov, and have a go-kit ready.”
Pursuant to ORS 401.165, the Governor determined that threats to life, safety, property, and infrastructure constitute an ongoing emergency in Harney County and on the Burns Paiute Reservation.
The Executive Order directs the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) to activate the State’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) and lead a coordinated, multi-agency response.
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA), in coordination with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), is also engaged to address public health concerns, including hazardous materials and contaminants in floodwaters. The Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) has deployed multiple work crews to assist with sandbagging efforts, with other agencies quickly following suit. Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS-OREM) has been actively engaged on the ground. The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), and the Oregon Water Resource Department (OWRD) are involved in response. The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and Oregon State Fire Marshall (OSFM) are also providing critical support to response operations. The state is working closely with the local county/city officials and the Burns Paiute Tribe to support both immediate response and longer-term recovery.
OEM activated the State Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) to Level 3 on March 17 in response to widespread flooding across Southern Oregon. On March 31, that activation was elevated to Level 2. OEM continues to coordinate statewide support requests, including sandbag deliveries, public information officers, and deployed field staff.
Stay up to date on flood impacts and resources via the Oregon Flood Dashboard.
For more information about current and past Executive Orders issued by the Governor of Oregon, visit the official Governor of Oregon: Executive Orders webpage:
https://www.oregon.gov/gov/
This declaration is effective immediately and will remain in effect through April 30, 2025, unless terminated or extended sooner.
