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Federal disaster declared in Minnesota counties impacted by flooding

Cars are stalled in floodwaters Wednesday morning, June 19, on County Highway 63 west of Hibbing. Life-threatening flash flooding occurred Tuesday night after torrential rains in northeastern Minnesota.
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St. Louis County Sheriff's Office via Facebook
Cars are stalled in floodwaters Wednesday morning, June 19, on County Highway 63 west of Hibbing. Life-threatening flash flooding occurred Tuesday night after torrential rains in northeastern Minnesota.

The disaster declaration allows more resources to help communities recover from the damage caused by heavy rains and subsequent flooding in June.

President Joe Biden approved federal disaster relief in 22 of Minnesota's 87 counties because of the severe flooding in recent weeks.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved the request Monday, July 1, from state officials for the declaration. The approval provides resources to reimburse communities for debris removal, repair and replacement of damaged infrastructure.

In a Friday briefing with FEMA Regional Administrator Tom Sivak, Gov. Tim Walz said it will take a united effort at every level of government to rebuild and recover.

Area counties receiving assistance include Cass, Cook, Lake and St. Louis. State officials say damage assessments are ongoing, and more counties and forms of assistance may be added once these are completed.

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