HARRISBURG, PA —  PA Gov. Josh Shapiro has issued a proclamation of disaster emergency for Pike and Wayne counties. They were among 21 counties in Pennsylvania to get the designation after being lashed by the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby.

The disaster declaration will allow agencies to get the resources they need to aid flooding recovery efforts. It makes $2 million immediately available by waiving bidding and contracting procedures and other formalities normally prescribed by law.

The proclamation will remain in place for 21 days unless extended by the legislature.

In New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul did not declare an official emergency but instead launched an emergency repair program for Debby-affected homeowners. The counties to receive this aid include Allegheny, Delaware, Franklin, Steuben and St. Lawrence.

Debby dumped several inches of rain on the Upper Delaware River Valley last week, pushing the river near flood stage and the highest levels of the year so far. According to the gage at Barryville, NY, the river crested at 14.24 feet at 9:45 a.m. on August 10, a day after the heavy rains passed. At these levels, when river speeds can reach seven miles an hour and waves rise above eight feet, the National Park Service (NPS) urges against boating.

The last time the water got this high was on December 18, when the gage at Barryville registered 15.55 feet.

The flood stage at Barryville is 17 feet, according to the NPS.