By Wayne Allen
As the rain continued to fall Monday morning and afternoon, it contributed to an area that’s already seen its fair share of rain. In some regional communities shelters were opened and lives were claimed. According to Craig Opperman, Scioto county Engineer, Scioto County has received above-average rain totals so far this year.
He said during the month of June, Scioto County would typically received roughly 3.88 inches of rain. This June Scioto County received 5.63 inches of rain. During a typical July Scioto County would receive roughly 4.12 inches of rain, so far this July Scioto County has received 6.4 inches of rain. Opperman said thus far the area has received 31.81 inches of rain, 3.79 inches above normal.
Because of abnormal rains, the Ohio River Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross staff and volunteers has been respond to unique needs of each community.
The Ohio River Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross’s coverage area includes Scioto, Jackson, Lawrence, Adams and Brown counties. In Brown County there were three fatalities, associated with flooding.
Debbie Smith, community executive of the Ohio River Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross, said response included serving food to more than 500 people. Providing assistance to 106 families and 304 individuals. The Red Cross also distributed 111 clean-up kits to those in need. Clean-up kits include a variety of cleaning supplies, including mops, a bucket, sponges, rubber gloves, squeegees, Clorox bleach, various disinfectants and more.
As of late last week the local chapter of the Red Cross has helped nearly 90 families. In total, the Red Cross responded to 165 local disasters in 2014.
Leading the region in cases is Jackson County with 65 at the end of last week. Locally Lawrence County has eight cases and Adams County has four cases. There were zero cases in Scioto County. When it comes to next steps, Smith said caseworkers are beginning work with individual families, helping them to determine their immediate and long term recovery needs.
Forecast’s from the National Weather Services, indicate the next chance of rain in the area is Wednesday with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. It’s estimated that it’s been 20 years since the area has seen this type of rain which resulted in flooding. Current estimates indicate cost of response for the Red Cross over $100,000.
Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by donations of time and money. Donations can be mailed to 1801 Robinson Ave. Portsmouth OH 45662, or visit redcross.org/donate, or call 1-800-REDCROSS.
Wayne Allen can be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 1933 or on Twitter @WayneallenPDT
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