During historic flooding, U.S. Coast Guard aircrews rescued four people from a flooded home in Sumas, Washington, after rising water forced them into their attic. Source: USCG Video
SUMAS, Wash. — Sumas Mayor Bruce Bosch is urging local business owners to document the full extent of their flood-related losses as the city pushes for state and federal recovery funding following the devastating December 2025 floods.
In a letter dated Jan. 7, Bosch asked business owners to submit detailed summaries of physical damage, lost equipment, revenue disruptions, and staffing impacts. He said the information will support advocacy efforts with lawmakers and help secure long-term funding for recovery and flood mitigation.
“As we continue working to support our community’s recovery, I am preparing a communication to our state and federal legislators to highlight the significant impact the December 2025 flood has had on local commerce,” Bosch wrote. “Your experiences and data are essential to ensuring they fully understand the scale of the losses our businesses have endured.”
Business owners are encouraged to submit reports by email to bbosch@cityofsumas.com or in writing to Sumas City Hall.
Floodwaters Overwhelm Border Town
The request comes less than a month after an atmospheric river storm dumped record rainfall across Western Washington, causing the Nooksack River to overflow and inundate low-lying areas of Whatcom County.
Flooding peaked between Dec. 10 and Dec. 12, triggering full evacuations in Sumas, Everson, and Nooksack. In some locations, water levels exceeded those recorded during the catastrophic 2021 floods.
Dozens of residents required rescue, including helicopter extractions by the U.S. Coast Guard from rooftops submerged under as much as 15 feet of water.
The U.S.-Canada border crossing at Sumas temporarily closed, roads were cut off, and key infrastructure — including dikes, bridges, and wastewater facilities — sustained heavy damage.
Bosch, who has repeatedly warned about Sumas’ vulnerability to flooding, described the scene as eerily familiar.
“Much of our city was devastated,” he said.
Widespread Damage, Long Recovery
While no fatalities were reported in Whatcom County, officials estimate the floods damaged more than 800 homes and businesses. Thousands of residents were displaced, and agricultural losses were widespread.
As waters receded by mid-December, residents returned to mud-filled homes and saturated farmlands. Cleanup efforts continued into the new year.
Recovery operations remain active, coordinated by the City of Sumas and Whatcom County Emergency Management.
Volunteer efforts through the Whatcom Long Term Recovery Group, also known as Whatcom Strong, include debris removal and home cleanouts. Check-in locations at local fire halls and churches operated daily through at least Dec. 31.
Debris disposal sites, including one on Swanson Road, have been extended into early January, and sandbag return locations were updated as recently as Dec. 23.
Emergency shelters, including the Sulwhanon Community Building in Everson, remain open for displaced residents. Some shelters allow pets under specific guidelines.
Businesses Begin Reopening
Financial relief remains a top priority for many business owners.
The American Red Cross has issued ongoing assistance updates, while the city continues to push for eligibility under the Small Business Administration’s disaster loan program, pending a federal disaster declaration.
The Port of Bellingham is collecting data through a Business Damage Assessment Survey to help support recovery funding requests. Separate flood relief programs are targeting families with young children.
Some businesses, including La Gloria Market and Bob’s Burgers and Brew, have begun reopening with limited services. Several have offered community perks, such as free coffee, to lift spirits.
Residents have shared dramatic footage on social media, including drone videos showing Sumas submerged and time-lapse clips of water rising along 2nd Street.
Across the border, Abbotsford, British Columbia, lifted evacuation alerts by Dec. 18 and transitioned into recovery mode, focusing on debris pickup and road repairs.
Calls for Long-Term Solutions
As recovery continues, renewed debate has emerged around flood prevention strategies, including whether to resume river dredging that was halted in the 1990s due to environmental regulations.
Bosch said the business data will play a key role in shaping those conversations.
“Your input will help us advocate not only for the resources and support our community needs to rebuild and recover,” he wrote, “but to reduce future flood risk and protect Sumas businesses from experiencing this level of loss again.”
For more information on recovery resources, visit cityofsumas.com/flood-recovery-resiliency-resources or contact Whatcom Strong for volunteer and assistance opportunities.
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