Indiana, Ohio Assess Damage From Floods
A break in a week of rain eased flooding Friday in hard-hit Indiana and Ohio, while downstream communities braced for a surge of water. President Bush declared a disaster in parts of Indiana that can now seek federal aid.
Initial surveys in Indiana showed $400,000 in damage – a number expected to grow substantially – and 1,300 homes with some degree of damage, said Megan Hansen, an American Red Cross spokeswoman. Four deaths have been blamed on the storms, which brought as much as 16 inches of rain.
The Ohio Emergency Management Agency said 250 homes in three counties were damaged and three other counties are still assessing damage.
Downstream to the south, communities along the Wabash River and its tributaries continued preparations for a surge of water. Floodwaters were cresting across much of central and western Indiana with no new reports of major damage.
In Lafayette, the Wabash was gradually receding from Thursday’s crest of nearly 25 feet, or 14 feet above flood stage. Floodwaters reached about 150 homes, and sections of two state highways. But the need for more sandbags was over.
“I think we’re pretty much past the worst of it,” said Bill Huffer, deputy director of the Tippecanoe County Emergency Management Agency.
About 60 miles downstream in the Parke County town of Montezuma, volunteers who erected a 3-foot-high wall of sandbags cautiously eyed the gradually rising water. But they saw no need to build any higher to protect two dozen riverside homes and the Montezuma Fish and Game Club.
“Right now, we can see the river coming up close to the back door,” said Larry Gibbons, the clubhouse bartender. “We started sandbagging at about 1 o’clock (Thursday) afternoon and we knocked off at about 10 o’clock. The whole town just got together and helped out.”
Although minor flooding continued Friday in Indianapolis’ northern suburbs, no problems were expected within the city, which is protected by a levee system built after floods in 1913.
About 10 families in the Dayton, Ohio, suburb of Harrison Township evacuated their homes after water from the flood-swollen Great Miami River jumped its banks.
“To get to our door you have to take a canoe,” said Gina Schoby. “It’s starting to go into our house right now.”
Gov. Bob Taft said state government funding is available immediately for people in the six counties. Families may qualify for up to $1,500.
President Bush’s disaster declaration covers 34 of Indiana’s 92 counties and makes assistance available to individuals and households. Local governments can apply for aid to help prevent or reduce risk to life and property from the ongoing flooding.