Little Rock, Arkansas – With a dangerous weather system continuing to hammer Arkansas, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has officially submitted a request to President Donald J. Trump for a Major Disaster Declaration, asking for Direct Federal Assistance statewide to help respond to the intensifying crisis.
The request comes in the wake of powerful storms, tornadoes, and widespread flooding that began on April 2, 2025, and show no signs of easing. Meteorologists are predicting more rain through the week, raising serious concerns about river levels across the state and the strain they are placing on Arkansas’s already vulnerable levee systems.
“This week is bringing generational rainfall to Arkansas and, though our emergency personnel are working overtime to keep everyone safe, additional federal assistance is necessary for our disaster response efforts,” said Governor Sanders in a statement. “I appreciate President Trump and his administration’s assistance as we work to save lives and property.”
The declaration specifically requests Categories A and B, limited to Direct Federal Assistance, which would enable federal support in emergency protective measures and debris removal. These resources are considered critical to protect life and property in the face of what could become one of the most significant flood events in state history.
Communities across the state are already bracing for impact, as rivers, including the Buffalo, Spring, Little Red, Cache, Black, Saline, Ouachita, Eleven Point, Mississippi, Petit Jean, Little, and White Rivers are either near or above flood stage. Continued rainfall is expected to make matters worse, potentially overwhelming levees and forcing more evacuations in low-lying areas.
Local and state emergency teams have been deployed across the most threatened zones. Sandbagging operations are ongoing, and evacuation alerts have been issued in several counties. However, officials warn that the state may not be able to handle the full extent of the emergency without additional federal resources.
This disaster declaration is a proactive step by Governor Sanders aimed at unlocking swift aid from FEMA and other federal agencies should the situation continue to deteriorate. It underscores the seriousness of the flooding threat and the need for a coordinated response to protect Arkansans in harm’s way.
State officials are urging residents near rivers and flood-prone areas to stay alert and follow all evacuation orders and weather updates. While first responders and emergency management teams are working around the clock, the public’s cooperation remains vital.
Further updates will be provided as the situation unfolds and federal officials respond to the Governor’s request.
