By David Gerber, Contributing Writer

President Barack Obama has issued a disaster declaration for 19 central and northeastern PA counties in the wake of historic flooding by the remnants of tropical storm Lee.

Scranton native Vice President Joe Biden will tour the flood damage in the region, including in West Pittston.

The Susquehanna River is considered to be at flood stage when it exceeds 17 feet. As of Thursday night, the river was nearing 25 feet, with an estimated crest of 28.5 feet by Friday night. It’s all thanks to heavy rains from the remnants of the tropical storm which had been stalled over the northeast since Monday.

The declaration includes Adams, Bradford, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Luzerne, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Schuylkill, Snyder, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Union, Wyoming and York counties.

Certainly the federal declaration and the high-profile visits are wins for the state. But as we transition to recovery, we ask from a political perspective, how did our statewide elected officials do?

Fairly well, says Chris Borick, Director of the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public opinion.

“I think all of the major PA figures rated fairly well for the crisis.  Corbett seemed to have a good handle on the emerging events in his press conferences and was direct with his evacuation warnings,” he said.

“For executives, the greatest “must do” is to present a clear plan of preparation for the emergency.  To look even slightly caught off guard is a major liability given the public’s expectation that their leaders are prepared for such occasions.  For legislators they key is to make yourself appear engaged in the emergency efforts.  Citizens and local officials want to know that their representatives understand the severity of their problems and are pushing for assistance where available.”

Here’s what they were doing before, during and after the crisis:

Governor Tom Corbett:

– Conference providing forewarning to Forty Fort, Kingston, Edwardsville
– Conference providing forewarning to Pa with PEMA
– Conference providing updates on flooding, emergency situation
– Declares disaster declaration for 44 counties
– Touring storm effected areas in Harrisburg, York, Hershey, Lancaster areas; provides awareness
– Met with President Obama to press the issue of Federal disaster relief
– Touring affected areas of northeastern Pa and providing awareness
– Providing awareness on public health hazards caused by the storm
– Providing awareness on public health hazards caused by the storm
– Providing National Guard assistance to affected areas
– Describing the focus of local and state agencies in rescue effort
– Providing information to flood victims post storm

Senator Bob Casey:

– Wrote letter to President Obama requesting disaster relief
– Flood awareness on his website
– Working on the ground with local, state and federal officials to assure restoration is taking place
– Returns from Washington to aid flood relief efforts
– Touring West Pittston with Sen. Toomey
– Touring devastation in the Susquehanna Valley area
– Touring devastation in northeastern Pa.
– Pledging support and aid for devastated areas
– Securing aid for flood relief
–Touring food damage in Bucks County

Senator Pat Toomey:

– Wrote letter to President Obama requesting disaster relief
– Returns from Washington to aid flood relief efforts
– Touring West Pittston with Sen. Casey
– Pledging support and aid for devastated areas
– Touring devastation in Wilkes-Barre/Wyoming Pa.
– Touring devastation in northeastern Pa.
– Securing aid for flood relief