YAKIMA COUNTY, Wash. – The floodwaters that recently submerged Selah are receding, leaving behind muddy grass and blocked parking lots, but the area is now mostly safe.
At Playland Riverside Park, where the River Ridge Golf Course is located as well, those driving down Selah Road would note that earlier last week, water covered the area, resembling a lake, but the water has since receded.
The Yakima Greenway, which had been flooded by the Yakima River. Previous coverage on Friday showed water overflowing onto the land, but by this afternoon, the drylands had returned to their usual state.
Tony Miller, director of Yakima Valley Emergency Management, explained the extent of the flooding.
“The snowpack melted and the rain came down much faster than normal. The water came up so quick, people got stranded out there. They weren’t islands, but the water came in and turned where they were staying in the islands. So now they weren’t able to get back to the shore,” he said.
Throughout the week, approximately 30 homes were evacuated, and between 28 and 30 rescues occurred from Tuesday to Thursday due to the rapid flooding.
Today, crews conducted damage assessment on Highway 410, taking pictures and documenting the impacts of the flood. This information will be sent to the state as they prepare to request assistance from FEMA.
With more rain expected this week, Miller said the emergency operation center will remain open throughout the week and into the weekend to monitor the situation.
