President Donald Trump has approved emergency disaster assistance for Washington, D.C., after a massive sewage spill sent at least 250 million gallons of untreated waste into the Potomac River.

Axar.az, citing AP, reports that the spill began on January 19 when a 72-inch pipeline known as the Potomac Interceptor ruptured near Glen Echo, Maryland. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced the approval, allowing federal resources and equipment to support response efforts.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a state of emergency and formally requested federal assistance earlier in the week. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has already been involved in assessing environmental damage and assisting with repairs. Officials say the leak is largely under control, but full repairs could take months.

Trump publicly criticized local Democratic leaders over their handling of the incident, particularly Maryland Governor Wes Moore, accusing state officials of incompetence. Despite the scale of the spill, authorities say the region’s drinking water remains safe, though residents are being advised to avoid direct contact with the river during recreational activities.