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Federal officials have begun to assemble their first damage assessments from flooding across Arkansas that
has resulted in disaster declarations in 35 counties.
The White River is higher than it has been in a quarter-century, flooding homes, businesses and crop lands. The river is forecast to crest early Friday morning at Clarendon in eastern Arkansas at 6½ feet above flood stage. Flood waters from the Black and Spring rivers in northeast Arkansas are receding.
Federal Emergency Management Agency is first going to northwest and north-central Arkansas to evaluate the damage. Field workers began fanning out Tuesday.
FEMA (web|news) spokesman Bob Alvey says three teams are evaluating damage to homes, businesses and personal property. Six teams are looking at infrastructure for damage to roads, culverts and bridges.
Alvey says the first reports are being processed so Governor Beebe can request aid from the federal government.
Alvey says the assessment teams are working with local officials so that they see the worst of the damage.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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