Latest news with #floodrecovery
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Flood damage estimated upward of $78 million, Delaney's office says
WESTERNPORT — Damages from floods that consumed southwestern Allegany County nearly three weeks ago are estimated upward of $78 million, U.S. Rep. April McClain Delaney's office said Friday. The Federal Emergency Management Agency since Wednesday has been assessing the area, although no decisions or timeline have been established for help. On Thursday, local and state emergency management officials updated the congresswoman on the extent of damage, ongoing response and recovery efforts. 'I'm committed to working in lockstep with the governor and our U.S. senators to help Mountain Maryland in their time of need,' McClain Delaney said. 'This will be a true bicameral effort to secure as much federal funding as possible,' she said. 'Our entire delegation must come together to lift up (the Allegany and Garrett county area) to ensure it has the resources and support it needs to recover, rebuild and thrive.' 'Ready to work' Aspects of the flood recovery were highlighted at the Allegany County Board of Commissioners meeting Thursday. 'We are still receiving federal support,' Commissioner Bill Atkinson said, adding that U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks was expected to tour the area Friday. 'The Small Business Administration disaster loan assistance is on site, for low-interest disaster loans for flood-effected homeowners, renters, nonprofits and businesses,' he said. Crews from Royal Plus Disaster Cleanup Crews from Royal Plus Disaster Cleanup work Friday inside the Westernport Town Building, above. At right, Westernport Mayor Judy Hamilton unloads a shipment of five-gallon buckets donated by Menard's of Morgantown, West Virginia. County Attorney T. Lee Beeman said a draft lease agreement with Beitzel Resources in Grantsville was finalized. 'They've been kind enough to donate warehouse space to us,' he said, adding that the area will be used to store flood relief items. County Administrator Jason Bennett said post-flood work continues in Westernport. 'All of our crews are currently up there,' he said. Commissioner Creade Brodie said he was grateful for people and agencies who helped 'with the recent devastation of the flood' in Allegany County. 'It did a number to us,' he said, thanking 'all four mayors of the crick,' regarding leaders of the lower Georges Creek region. 'What really amazed a lot of people from Midland to Westernport was the citizens that jumped in and helped,' Brodie said. 'Everyone showed up ready to work and ready to help.' Commissioner President Dave Caporale said more help is wanted. 'If you can give funds, supplies or your time, these folks still need it,' he said. 'We've got a long way to go.' Westernport Mayor Judy Hamilton was at the meeting to thank county officials and workers for their support as her town recovers. Westernport Mayor Judy Hamilton Westernport Mayor Judy Hamilton unloads a shipment of five-gallon buckets donated by Menard's of Morgantown, West Virginia, on Friday, May 30, 2025. She talked of Caporale 'scraping up floors one night, helping our rescue squad.' Brodie 'has checked in with me ... several times,' Hamilton said. 'A lot of our homes are damaged, we're still digging out mud,' she said. 'But, you guys have been wonderful ... I truly appreciate everything that you guys have done.' Across the country Jonathan Dayton is president of the Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association in Allegany and Garrett counties. He was raised in Westernport and is an active volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician. The town's Potomac Fire Company No. 2 on Main Street sustained roughly 2 feet of water in the flood, Dayton said. The department is working with its insurance company as it navigates needed repairs, including new interior walls. 'It's kind of a waiting game,' Dayton said, adding that financial donations are appreciated. 'Insurance doesn't cover everything.' After the May 13 flood, the fire company's demand in the community grew by roughly 80% and included rock slides, water in basements, downed trees and electrical emergencies, he said. 'We've seen a major increase in calls,' Dayton said. Meanwhile, 'the fire station is still operational,' he said. 'It's been a very busy two weeks (and there's) a lot of work that still needs to be done,' Dayton said. He thanked volunteer emergency responders and mutual aid from departments across the region, including in West Virginia and Pennsylvania for their help during the flood. Robert Pattison Jr. and Shane Fazenbaker Potomac Fire Co. No. 2 members, from left, Robert Pattison Jr. and Shane Fazenbaker wash one of the department's engines Friday at the Main Street station in Westernport omn Friday, May 30, 2025. Westernport's Potomac Fire Company No. 2 Chief Tim Dayton said proactive approaches, such as rebuilding with metal walls, are being explored. He hopes the fire station is renovated within a couple of months. Tim Dayton talked of his gratitude for folks, many who came from across the country to support the tiny town's recovery. 'The outpouring of the citizens and the people coming in to help ... is unbelievable,' he said. Next door, Tri-Towns EMS was also flooded. 'Tri-Towns EMS suffered severe damage to our building due to the recent flooding,' a GoFundMe page for the organization stated Friday. 'Our entire basement was submerged, and the damage extended throughout the first floor of our station.' Tri-Towns also lost 'several thousand dollars worth of vital medical supplies, as well as furniture, office equipment and essential materials critical to our day-to-day operations,' the page stated. 'Spirit of service' Frostburg State University this week opened its doors to Westernport Elementary School staff and students. The May 13 floodwaters reached the second floor of their school and required roughly 150 students and 50 adults to be evacuated by boat and a high-profile vehicle. Due to extensive damage from the flood, the elementary school will be closed for the remainder of the academic year. The school of 295 students and staff will utilize space on the FSU campus until June 6. 'In the wake of the devastating flood, Bobcat Nation was happy to offer our support to Westernport Elementary School,' FSU Interim President Darlene Brannigan Smith said via press release. 'I'm proud of our staff who stepped up to quickly formulate a plan to provide learning spaces in our Education and Health Science Center for these elementary students — and dare I say future Bobcats.' FSU's Children's Literature Centre, which is housed in the EHSC, will be used for office space and provide supplemental lessons and activities for the students. 'Coincidentally, this year's school partner in the Children's Literature Centre's Adopt-A-School Program is Westernport Elementary School,' the release stated. In addition to spaces in the EHSC, the Westernport group will have access to Frostburg's fields and gymnasiums for physical education and recess, and space will be reserved in FSU's Lane University Center for student meals. 'Breakfast and lunch are being provided courtesy of the university's new food vendor, Aladdin, who only just began their contract with FSU on May 23,' the release stated. 'So many departments across our campus should be commended for working together to make this a reality for these children,' Smith said. 'Thanks go out to staff in the EHSC and CLC, Aladdin, FSU campus police, our facilities and athletics departments, our Lane Center and university bookstore, printing services and academic and student affairs.' Westernport's teachers were on campus Tuesday for an orientation and welcome session in preparation for the students' Thursday arrival. Students were greeted by FSU staff as well as a surprise visit from Frostburg's mascot, Bob E. Cat. Westernport Elementary School students and Bob E. Cat Westernport Elementary School students are greeted by Frostburg State University's mascot, Bob E. Cat, on Thursday, May 29, 2025. 'We are truly excited to have our family back together, and with the help of FSU, this is possible,' Westernport Principal Derek Horne said via the release. 'Our hearts are warmed by their generosity.' According to the release, FSU student volunteers on the night of the flood provided bedding and hygiene kits for stranded victims. The FSU Department of Athletics provided access to campus laundry facilities for a Lonaconing nursing home that was without water for four days. 'The efforts of our students, faculty, staff and administrators demonstrate the true spirit of service and all that FSU stands for,' Smith said. 'We're just so glad that something positive was able to come out of this tragedy.' Ways to help Checks can be sent to Potomac Fire Company No. 2, PO Box 326, Westernport, MD 21562. A GoFundMe to support Potomac Fire Co. No. 2 and Tri-Towns EMS will close June 7. Tri-Towns EMS also has its own GoFundMe page. Tri-Towns is selling 'Stronger than the Storm' shirts to raise funds for its rebuilding efforts. A variety of styles are available and range in price from about $20 to $40. Learn more at The Western Maryland Strong Fund states it was created 'to provide a secure and reliable repository for contributions, ensuring support reaches individuals and families impacted by the flooding with flexible aid for evolving needs.' Learn more at
ABC News
4 days ago
- General
- ABC News
Flood-affected NSW communities help themselves in wake of devastation
On a whiteboard in a church on the NSW Mid North Coast, Lauren Davies is constantly updating a "needs list". Ms Davies has been taking stock of donated clothes, supplies and food, and calling out for items the community-run recovery centre needs since flooding ravaged her town of Wingham. The list has included electric frypans, white vinegar, fresh fruit, antiseptic and pillows. "It's like putting it out into the universe," she said. "I turn around and say we really need this … and within five to 10 minutes, someone's got it, here it is. "It's just manifested." The community-led recovery centre has been bustling with adults and children picking up clothes, supplies and a meal, and finding a shoulder to lean on. And there has been no shortage of volunteers. "We have little old ladies that are in their 80s and 90s, coming in with cups of soups," Ms Davies said. "The community here have been amazing even though they're affected, just like I am. It has come after almost 800 properties were declared uninhabitable this week. "We had a lady come in … [she] was telling us that every part of her house was taken out," Ms Davies said. "There's nothing left, she's bare bones, no gyprock, no electrical, no nothing. "But she's smiling and saying, 'I'm OK, I'm alive'." Hundreds of people were expected to spend Saturday cleaning up in Taree, adding to the efforts already seen across the flood-ravaged region. The "Mud Muster", a major volunteer mobilisation project being coordinated out of the Taree SES headquarters, has been led by locals. Other initiatives have also started across the wider region to help towns recover. More than 600 volunteers on the Mid North Coast joined a community flood response group to help wash out homes. On Port Macquarie's North Shore, a community barbecue was set up to provide a place of respite for emergency service crews and residents amid sweeping mud and relocating drenched furniture. More than 200 homes in the suburb — which was isolated for five days with no power — were damaged by floodwater. Volunteer Talia Kelly spent the start of the weather event sandbagging homes and businesses before setting up the recovery barbecue out of her own pocket. "You don't realise how good you've got it to be able to go home to a safe place," she said. "Some of these guys don't have a safe place, nowhere to eat, nowhere to shower. "We just hope that it gives some people some hope to be able to get their feet back on the ground." Elvira Paima, who moved to the North Shore last year, lost some belongings in the floods. "It was very stressful but I'm feeling much calmer now," she said. "We are helping each other. We leave our house and then help another neighbour … because it helps us to also help someone else." Volunteer Amanda Harte said the simple gesture had gone a long way. "The damage here is absolutely devastating, it's something you probably can't even believe from pictures," Ms Harte said. "Something as simple as just giving them a sausage sandwich, or a drink, or just lending an ear … it's pretty important." Further south in Taree, food has remained a unifier during difficult times. Rotating groups of Sikh volunteers from Melbourne made the more than 1,100-kilometre journey to Taree with a food truck and vans to make and deliver food. The group has made up to 2,000 meals a day, which not-for-profit Sikh Volunteers Australia chief executive Jaswinder Singh said were delivered across the Mid North Coast. "That is one thing less to worry about for them," he said. The volunteer teams plan to stay as long as required. "It could be a month … we don't know yet," Mr Singh said. "As long as the demand is there, we will stay." Kimbriki resident Tanya Ternovy picked up a meal from the Sikhs on her way home after the floods. "To come all the way from Melbourne and to bring their beautiful food, it's just so kind," she said. Ms Ternovy said the generosity of the volunteers was appreciated as the region faced immeasurable loss. "It's just time enough now that the power's just come back on, and we can get across the bridges," she said. "Driving through Taree, you can see so much loss, all dumped on the side of the road." Mr Singh said he had witnessed "horrible scenes and stories" from people who had lost everything. But he said many hands were coming together to help. "Volunteers from all across the region are coming and supporting each other," he said. "People are not just thinking about themselves. They are thinking about their neighbours and the whole street.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Route 219 reopened in Boynton after temporary structure installed at site of flood-damaged bridge
BOYNTON, Pa. – PennDOT on Saturday reopened a portion of U.S. Route 219 in southern Somerset County that had been closed after the Boynton Bridge was damaged during flooding May 13. The road was reopened in the village of Boynton, about a mile north of Salisbury, weeks ahead of PennDOT's initial early June estimate, PennDOT said in a press release. PennDOT and its contractor partners completed a temporary structure over Piney Creek to restore travel after the floodwaters destroyed the upstream center pier of the 102-year-old Boynton Bridge, the release said. The bridge carried an average of 4,700 vehicles daily along Route 219, which connects Somerset County to Interstate 68 in Maryland. PennDOT described the highway as an 'important artery for commercial and emergency vehicles, as well as surrounding communities.' PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll, who visited Somerset County May 16 and viewed flood damage to the bridge, lauded the work to get a temporary bridge in place less than two weeks after the flooding. 'I'm proud that the department was responsive and effective in restoring traffic on U.S. 219 in Somerset County as we would be with any road, with any bridge, in any county in the state,' he said in the release. Work started May 16 to remove pieces of the damaged bridge so a temporary structure could be placed over it, PennDOT said. The temporary structure was installed Thursday and Friday, with guiderail installation and line-painting completed around noon Saturday. The road's reopening lifts detours that had been in place since May 14. PennDOT is reviewing plans for the next phase of the project and developing a timeline for construction of a permanent replacement bridge, the release said. An initial plan suggested the new span would be completed by late 2026.
ABC News
26-05-2025
- Climate
- ABC News
Federal politics live: PM to visit NSW communities devastated by floods as clean up continues
Australian Defence Force personnel will join the flood recovery and clean-up effort on the NSW Mid North Coast from Tuesday, with the prime minister to also visit the region. Follow our live coverage below.
ABC News
26-05-2025
- Climate
- ABC News
BTN Newsbreak 26/05/2025
FLOOD RECOVERY Emergency warnings have been lifted in New South Wales flood zones, and locals in some areas are starting to assess the damage. From muddy floors to soggy paddocks, people in some flood hit parts of NSW are starting to return home to see just how bad the damage is. Authorities think at least 10,000 homes and businesses have been destroyed or seriously damaged, with hundreds of homes too unsafe to return to. Thousands of residents are also still cut off by floodwaters. And whether it's by helicopter, boat, or drone, emergency services are still working hard carrying out rescues and delivering much needed supplies. While the worst of the wild weather is over, authorities are urging people to stay away from floodwaters, and that it could be a while before things get back to normal. MILLION PAWS WALK Thousands of dogs and their humans pounded the pavement on the weekend for the last ever national Million Paws Walk. The event, run by the RSPCA, has been running for the past 30 years to raise money for animals in need. In its time, more than 750,000 humans and 400,000 pooches have raised more than $17 million. But organisers say the cost of living crisis and increasing event costs mean it's now too expensive to run, so they're hanging up the leash for the final time. MONACO GP It was a huge win for McLaren's Lando Norris. While he took the lead quickly, he also got into trouble quickly, surviving an early scare when he nearly sent his car into the barrier in lap one. But he managed to hold on for the win, beating Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who came in second with teammate and Aussie star Oscar Piastri coming in third. WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP LEAGUE Over in Portugal, Arsenal has defeated Barcelona 1-nil in the Women's Champions League final, thanks in part to three of our Matildas! Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord both took to the field for the Gunners, while Kyra Cooney-Cross was an unused substitute. FRENCH OPEN Finally to the French Open, where four all-time tennis legends came together to celebrate 14 time French open champion Rafael Nadal, who retired last year. Rivals Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray all took to the court as part of a special ceremony, paying tribute to Rafa's career, which is a pretty rare sight! CLOWN DAY First up, to Peru! Where hundreds of clowns have hit the streets to celebrate the country's annual Clown Day. It's big parade to celebrate all things clowning, and to pay homage to a famous Peruvian clown, Tony Perejil, who was known as the clown of the poor, and used to travel around town performing pop up shows back in the 1980s. KERMIT GRADUATION Now to a graduation ceremony in the United States, where Kermit the frog was asked to give the official commencement speech. Kermit's creator, Jim Henson, graduated from the University of Maryland back in 1960, so it's a bit of a full circle moment for the green puppet. BORDER COLLIE PATROL And finally, it's time to meet to Ned and Hercules, the two border collies single-handedly holding down the fort at this airport in West Virginia. Well, specifically, their job is to chase off any wildlife that gets in the way of planes. Hercules has been doing the job for 8 years now, and has been training Ned up since last year.
