In the rural areas of southeastern Oregon, an unprecedented combination of snowmelt and rainfall has led to severe flooding, causing upheaval in many communities. The result has been extensive damage to infrastructure, homes, and businesses, with roads and agricultural land submerged under floodwaters. The situation has been marked as a public health concern, with both environmental and community safety risks on the rise.
As of Wednesday, the Harney County Sheriff’s Office has reported that over 1,200 individuals are currently under high-level evacuation mandates. The county has established an emergency shelter at the fairgrounds, providing temporary refuge for those displaced. Some 18 individuals have taken advantage of these accommodations. Additionally, RV shelters have been set up to offer a place for people who had to leave their homes.
Since March 14, 2025, Harney County and its surrounding regions have faced extraordinary levels of precipitation, with both rain and snowmelt overwhelming local water systems. These conditions have led to floodwaters that have damaged roads, critical infrastructure, and have contaminated waterways, according to the Oregon Department of Emergency Management.
In response to the crisis, the Harney County School District #3 has closed schools for the week. This precaution affects the elementary, middle, and high schools in the cities of Burns and Hines, impacting approximately 750 students.
Although municipal drinking water remains safe, officials have warned of bacterial contamination, such as E. coli, in floodwaters. They advise residents to steer clear of the floodwaters and wear protective clothing like rubber boots and gloves if necessary. Items exposed to floodwaters should be sanitized and not brought indoors without proper decontamination.
Due to backups in the sewage systems, portable toilets have been placed throughout Burns for use by residents. The flooding has significantly disrupted daily life in Harney County. Sheriff Dan Jenkins has expressed appreciation for the community’s patience and cooperation, acknowledging the profound impact on residents’ lives and the ongoing efforts of first responders and community members.
The Burns Paiute Tribe has actively engaged in relief efforts, distributing meals and water to affected members and setting up portable sanitation facilities. They have been relocating portable toilets across their reservation to ensure easier access for their community.
Following rapid snowmelt, Governor Tina Kotek announced a state of emergency on Saturday to address the escalating situation. She emphasized the severity of the public health and environmental hazards in Harney County and on the Burns Paiute Reservation, calling for a collaborative response to mitigate the crisis.
Harney County, despite its vast size of over 10,000 square miles (about the equivalent of twice the state of Connecticut), is home to approximately 7,400 residents. The ongoing flooding not only affects these individuals but also presents a significant challenge to local and state emergency management systems working tirelessly to bring relief and restoration to the affected areas.