FEMA Sends Liaisons To Assist Michigan Officials With Flint Water Crisis
FLINT (WWJ) -- The federal government may now be stepping in to help with the Flint water crisis.
Director of Public Affairs for FEMA Rafael Lemaitre said on Twitter that the organization will provide technical assistance to the Michigan Emergency Operations Center.
We're closely following the #FlintWater situation. For #flintwater resources and updates, follow @MichEMHS and visit https://t.co/hVH7HYjnud
— Jaclyn Rothenberg (she/her) (@FEMAspox) January 8, 2016
FEMA has also deployed 2 liaisons to the MI Emergency Ops Center for technical assistance. #FlintWater
— Jaclyn Rothenberg (she/her) (@FEMAspox) January 8, 2016
@DaveBondyTV Note that they are there for situational awareness and to support the state with technical assistance at their EOC.
— Jaclyn Rothenberg (she/her) (@FEMAspox) January 8, 2016
State officials did not immediately comment Saturday on whether the help was requested or if the federal government acted by itself.
Protesters and Flint residents have been calling for action from the government since higher levels of lead were detected in the water. Flint officials switched the city's water source from Detroit to the contaminated Flint River last year.
Flint mayor Karen Weaver met with Michigan governor Rick Snyder Thursday, two days after declaring an emergency for Flint and Genessee County. Both described the discussion as productive and said they agreed to establish a group of state and local agency officials that will consider future steps.
[Read the latest on the Flint water crisis HERE]