DEPUE — Bureau County Board last week declared the village of DePue a disaster area following an extreme flash flooding incident that washed in May 28.

By doing so, Bureau County Emergency Management Agency Director Keenan Campbell has been granted authority and appropriate emergency powers to bring the disaster to a rapid conclusion. This declaration also allows the county to seek federal funds to assist in repairing the damages left behind.

On May 28, following heavy rains, a substantial part of the village flooded quickly. The rain became too much for road ditches west of the village, which affected may residents who live on on that side of town.

As quickly as the flood came, it receded, leaving behind mud and debris sprawled throughout the village. Route 29 near the DePue Junction was closed down to one lane after a mudslide blocked parts of the roadway. Road crews were also sent to Princeton DePue Road for downed trees in the road just north of the village.

The area will be declared a disaster until Sept. 8.

In addition to the DePue declaration, the county also voted to extend its proclamation declaring the entire county a disaster area for coronavirus response until July 7.

The county board first declared the county a disaster area for coronavirus response during its regular meeting on April 14. By doing so, this allows Emergency Management Agency and Bureau, Putnam, Marshall County Health Department to coordinate county and municipal resources when needed in an effort to protect the health and safety of citizens.