Snyder declared a state emergency on Tuesday and activated the National Guard to assist in distributing water, filters, and other supplies.
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The White House allowed the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to initiate disaster relief efforts to “alleviate the hardship and suffering” of Flint’s residents.
Flint residents, grappling with toxic lead contamination in their drinking water after city officials opted to save money by changing their water supply, are now garnering the highest levels of attention, not only from the state but the federal government.
FEMA will deliver water, water filters, water filter cartridges, water test kits, “and other necessary related items” for about three months, the release said.
Gov. Rick Snyder requested the federal declaration Thursday, saying needs “far exceed the state’s capability”.
“We are utilizing all state resources to ensure Flint residents have access to clean and safe drinking water and today I am asking President Obama to provide additional resources as our recovery efforts continue”, Snyder said in the statement.
Flint switched its water source from Detroit to the Flint River in 2014 after which it has switched back to Detroit’s water.
The U.S. Justice Department is helping the Environmental Protection Agency investigate events surrounding what’s been declared a public health and federal emergency situation in Flint.
Meanhwile, Cher is donating water to the residents of Flint. If he wants more, he must ask Congress. If he were to declare a disaster area in Flint, usually reserved for natural disasters rather than manmade ones, more funding would become available.
Residents’ complaints about the taste, odor and appearance of the water, which began immediately after the switch, were largely ignored by state officials.
Lead poisoning is unsafe for anyone, but Flint Mayor Karen Weaver has pointed to research showing how lead exposure can affect a developing child’s IQ, resulting in learning disabilities. The state also dismissed reports of elevated lead levels in the blood of Flint children from pediatrician Mona Hanna-Attisha before for the first time publicly acknowledging a problem around the beginning of October in 2015.
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Community activist Melissa Mays said: “The state was telling everybody, ‘It’s fine, relax….”
