State of Emergency Declared as Kalamazoo Faces Rising Water Levels

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The City of Kalamazoo has declared a local state of emergency following widespread damage and property loss caused by ongoing flooding, city officials said Monday.

The declaration comes after extended rainfall, saturated soil, elevated creek and river levels, and flooding conditions created dangerous conditions throughout the city. Governor Gretchen Whitmer added the City of Kalamazoo and Kalamazoo County to Michigan's State of Emergency Declaration on Friday.

Water levels in the Kalamazoo River and Portage Creek continue to rise slightly, according to the city, but officials say those levels are expected to begin decreasing and will continue the downward trend. Morrow Dam near Galesburg remains at a high-flow stage but is operating with no known issues and is being monitored constantly.

"City of Kalamazoo officials continue to monitor conditions closely and will provide updates as necessary," city officials said.

Numerous homes throughout Kalamazoo have flooded basements and experienced water intrusion due to abnormally high groundwater levels. Local streets and infrastructure have also become flooded in several areas.

The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety and crews from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Services are actively deployed throughout the city to help impacted residents.

Residents Urged to Report Flooding and Protect Property

Kalamazoo residents are strongly encouraged to check their basements and homes for signs of flooding or water intrusion. If flooding is found in your home, you're asked to report it using the city's self-reporting survey.

This survey feeds directly to Kalamazoo Emergency Management and helps the city assess impacts and allocate resources effectively.

To help residents protect their homes from flooding, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Services has established sandbag distribution sites at multiple locations:

  • Northside Association for Community Development (NACD)
  • Douglass Community Association
  • Edison Neighborhood Association

Residents can get free sandbags to help mitigate water intrusion, particularly around basement entries and foundation cracks, from the distribution sites starting at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 17.

The Michigan State Police Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division is also coordinating the distribution of cleanup kits for affected residents. If you need cleanup supplies, call 211 to request assistance.

"Residents are urged to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to protect their property," city officials said.

Further updates and information from the city can be found on their official communication channels.

Community Resources Available

Anyone whose home has been intruded upon should contact the city through their online self-reporting survey. The survey helps the city assess impacts and allocate resources effectively.

Homes that have already used the reporting tool will be assisted by Public Services crews and Public Safety to provide basement dewatering assistance and additional evaluation.

Community members in need of help protecting their homes from water intrusion can find free sandbags available at the distribution sites starting at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 17.

Kalamazoo's Public Services crews and Public Safety will help anyone who's already reported damage through the survey, providing basement dewatering assistance and evaluations.

Sandbags are available for free to help keep water away from your property.

For further assistance with water mitigation and other flooding assistance questions, residents can call 211.