Long road of cleanup awaits families hit by flooding in Pulaski County

by Leanne Tokars (ltokars@wsbt.com)

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Homes surrounded by water in Winamac due to flooding along Tippecanoe River

Some homes are still surrounded by water in Winamac, a week after flooding along the Tippecanoe River forced 100 people out of their homes. (WSBT photo)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Jan 16, 2008 at 5:24 PM EST

Story Updated: Jan 22, 2008 at 11:40 PM EST

WINAMAC — There's a long road of cleanup in some of the areas hit hardest by floods, but not everyone's in the clear.

It's been one week since flooding along the Tippecanoe River forced 100 people out of their homes.

Governor Daniels toured the damage last Wednesday and talked to homeowners. He predicted help from FEMA would be needed for homeowners to recover.

The American Red Cross is offering its help to families in Pulaski County. Red Cross volunteers accepted applications Wednesday from families in need in Winamac.

“My furnace is underwater,” said Earl Fletcher, who returned to his home for the first time Wednesday.

Flooding has left his basement a muddy mess. Many of his belongings are destroyed.

“I’m getting too old for this,” Fletcher exclaimed.

But he’s not alone. Many of his neighbors were out assessing the damage to their homes Wednesday.

“Never had water in this part at all — this is the first time ever, and I’ve been down here 33 years,” said one neighbor.

His house is now gutted and his sofa is soaked and outside in a pile of items to be thrown out.

“Until you've stood there and witnessed it with your own eyes, you simply cannot comprehend the immensity of the disaster,” said Sam McCombs of the American Red Cross.

Last Tuesday at 8:10 a.m., McCombs’ phone first rang and it hasn't stopped since.

The calls are from families needing help from the American Red Cross because of the flooding.

Annette Fernandez is one of them. Her family is staying in a motel, but she checks on her home every day.

It’s still surrounded by water.

“This has really taken its toll,” Fernandez said.

She’s worried about what’s left inside her home, but counting down until she can start to clean up.

“Things were going by so quick and we know we lost a lot,” said Fernandez.

The American Red Cross is accepting donations and disaster applications at the Church of Heartland in Winamac.

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