The ice storm that hit Portland in January 2024 resulted in a dramatic increase in local emergency calls, with 911 calls surging by 70 percent compared to the previous year. This alarming statistic highlights the severity of the situation, where residents faced not just transportation issues but also health emergencies due to cold-related illnesses and injuries. It emphasizes the pressing need for more robust emergency services and community preparedness in the face of increasingly severe weather events.
Power outages during the lengthy cold snap left over 633,000 people in Multnomah County without electricity, compounding the crisis caused by the ice storm. Lost income, costly home repairs from burst pipes, and the use of warming shelters served as stark reminders of the vulnerabilities many residents face. The demand at warming shelters reached unprecedented levels, with over 1,356 individuals seeking refuge in a single night, showcasing the community's increased need for assistance during extreme weather.
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