ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today issued a request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, known as FEMA, to conduct Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments in areas of Western Maryland that were recently impacted by severe flooding. As a result of torrential rainfall and flash flooding earlier this month, numerous Western Maryland communities sustained damage to residences and infrastructure and incurred significant response costs, necessitating additional assistance.
“Moving in partnership with first responders, local leaders, and state officials, we have mounted a swift and aggressive response to the devastating flood in Western Maryland. But the breadth of damage requires us to accelerate our work in this moment, not slow down,” said Gov. Moore. “This Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment will help ensure Marylanders get the help they need as we work together to rebuild.”
The process—conducted in coordination with FEMA, the Maryland Department of Emergency Management, and local emergency management officials—is a necessary step toward determining whether Maryland meets the federal criteria to request a
Presidential Disaster Declaration to address the impacts caused directly by the May 13-14 2025 catastrophic floods in Western Maryland. Allegany and Garrett counties have asked that the Maryland Department of Emergency Management request assessments to be scheduled as soon as possible.
“Our teams have been on the ground since the flooding began, working hand-in-hand with local officials to support residents and begin recovery,” said Maryland Department of Emergency Management Secretary Russ Strickland. “This damage assessment will help ensure we have the information needed to seek federal assistance and long-term support for Western Maryland communities.”
Since the flooding, the department and numerous state agencies have been working closely with local emergency managers and nonprofit partners to support county-led recovery efforts and provide resources, including assistance with initial damage assessments, volunteer agency coordination, and donations management. The State of Maryland continues to prioritize community needs and support for the local jurisdictions while preparing for the formal assessment process.
Understanding the Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment Process
A Preliminary Damage Assessment is a collaborative evaluation that occurs after a major disaster or emergency. Local officials first identify and document damage. After enough information is collected, the State formally requests the assessment with FEMA.
During the assessment, multidisciplinary teams survey impacted areas to validate the scope and severity of damages. The data collected is then used to support a request to the President for a disaster declaration, which—if granted—opens the door for federal disaster assistance through the Stafford Act.
The joint assessment process does not guarantee federal assistance but findings will inform any potential request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration, which is required for unlocking certain forms of federal aid.
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