In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the response to a significant mudslide that impacted a state highway running through National Forest, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of various emergency support functions. Prior to the incident, the emergency management team was at a lower activation level, monitoring the situation without fully activating emergency protocols. However, following the mudslide, a partial activation was initiated, involving ten emergency support functions, including transportation, public health, and public safety.

Officials highlighted the importance of coordination among agencies, with designated leads and support roles to address the challenges posed by the disaster. The Emergency Operations Center is not in charge but facilitates collaboration among over 50 participants committed to finding solutions and minimizing community suffering.

The discussion also touched on the complexities of declaring an emergency or disaster. While the state has declared an emergency, local jurisdictions face challenges in securing additional resources due to the lack of direct losses or damages. Only one injury was reported, and there has been no property damage, complicating the process for potential FEMA funding.

The meeting underscored the unique nature of this disaster, as many affected individuals are residents of Idaho, not Wyoming, which complicates the response due to differing state regulations. Despite these hurdles, officials expressed confidence in their ability to manage the situation effectively, drawing on lessons learned from previous crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic. The focus remains on ensuring that any solutions implemented are meaningful and resource-efficient.