As people in northwestern Montana recover from severe flooding earlier this month, they can find the help they need all in one place.
The Winter Storm Resource Center continues today in Libby.
Anna Lau, disaster events public information officer for the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, said the event offers important information.
"It's connecting citizens with local nonprofits, state resources and other entities to assist them with their resource needs," Lau explained.
Lau pointed out there are also volunteer sign-ups to provide services and make donations. Heavy rains Dec. 11-12 caused flooding, taking out bridges and damaging roads and buildings in and around Libby. The town is still under a boil water order after a dam failed and disrupted the local water supply. The Winter Storm Resource Center is open Tuesday from noon to 8 p.m. at Libby's Memorial Center.
Lau noted a second purpose of the event is to gather storm damage reports.
"We are collecting information from private citizens and business owners about the damage that they have experienced in their property," Lau emphasized. "This will help our disaster emergency services solicit for more funding, potentially."
Lau added local crews have been out this week doing preliminary damage assessments.
"They were going to different bridges and infrastructure to get a better idea of what they're looking at and what type of resources and needs that they will need," Lau observed.
She underscored FEMA teams will visit the area on Wednesday to do more assessments. Initial estimates indicate flood repairs could cost tens of millions of dollars.
