On Tuesday, August 8, a severe rainstorm impacted our region, resulting in an estimated 4.5 inches of rain falling in Andover within several hours. Town of Andover officials mobilized during the historic weather event to monitor impacts to roadways, infrastructure, and private properties throughout the community. The Town has continued to assess and respond to damage in the days since.
The Town’s Emergency Management Director and other senior officials have been in communication with regional officials from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to determine appropriate actions that should be taken in response to the severe rainstorm and to inquire about the availability of disaster relief funds for impacted individuals and businesses.
MEMA officials conveyed that they do not expect federal individual assistance (IA) to be available in response to the August 8 storm and subsequent flooding. Further, MEMA explained that the disbursement of federal funds is determined on a county basis and not a per-town/city basis. As a result, the decision of the federal government to provide funds is not specific to Andover and is part of a broader analysis.
In the interest of exhausting every avenue for the benefit of the community, Town Departments, including the Fire Department, Police Department, and Department of Public Works, are internally collecting municipal data that will be promptly shared with MEMA. However, given the limited likelihood of disaster relief being issued to individuals and businesses, we are not advising Andover residents to submit documentation of property damage to the Town at this time. This approach is consistent with guidance we have received from MEMA officials.
Residents who have experienced basement flooding or other property damage as a result of the August 8 rainstorm are encouraged to contact their homeowner’s insurance companies to report a claim.
The Town of Andover will continue to communicate with MEMA and other state authorities to monitor the situation. We will provide pertinent information to the public as it becomes available.