CELINA, Ohio - Gov. Bob Taft said the flooding he saw yesterday in
three western Ohio counties was the worst he had seen since becoming
governor.
The governor drove through some flooded streets - one where he said
he could see fish swimming in the water - and flew over the affected
area before meeting with emergency officials handling the flooding
emergency.
"Thank God there has been no loss of life. We're grateful for that,"
the governor told officials and storm volunteers, who were packed
inside a county building. "But the damage has been extensive - and
widespread."
He said he would review damage assessments before determining
whether to seek a presidential disaster declaration for the affected
counties. State officials said they expect to make a recommendation
by the end of today.
Earlier this week, Governor Taft declared a state of emergency in
Auglaize, Darke, Logan, Mercer, and Van Wert counties, and Shelby
County was expected to be added to the list.
Residents who end up qualifying for assistance could receive loans
from the Small Business Association or individual grants to help pay
for damage and flooding insurance.
(THE BLADE/JEREMY WADSWORTH)
Jane Ford surveys the high water in Rockford, Ohio. Floodwaters have
damaged about 100 homes in Mercer County.
ZOOM 1
Authorities estimated that 300 homes have been damaged in the region
as a result of flooding. About 100 of those homes are in Mercer
County, primarily in the towns of Celina and Rockford, said Karl
Kaiser, director of Mercer County's EMA.
Governor Taft said he was not planning to stop in any other Ohio
counties yesterday but said he sympathized with residents living
elsewhere - including the small village of Willshire in Van Wert
County, which sits along the flooded St. Marys River.
About 12 homes in that village of less than 500 residents have been
flooded, Mr. Shipley said.
"We're very concerned about that situation there," the governor said
of Willshire. He was briefed yesterday about the Willshire flooding
by Rick McCoy, who is Van Wert County's EMA director.
Mr. McCoy said he felt comfortable leaving Willshire and its flooded
St. Marys River to be present for the governor's stop in
Celina. "We're really optimistic," Mr. McCoy said. "The waters
continue to recede. We're down about a foot now."
That was good news for the county - although waters remained more
than eight feet above flood level - which has received about 13
inches of rain since storms first hit last month.
In Willshire, where intense flooding forced the voluntary evacuation
of a dozen homes just outside of town, most of the major routes into
town were still underwater yesterday.
"Our next concern after this water goes down is the cleanup of the
homes and the businesses. That will be pretty expensive," Mr. McCoy
said.
In Celina, home to 10,000 residents, the flooding was caused by an
uncontrollable spillage from Grand Lake St. Marys along the city's
south side, where small cottages rest along the road and new homes
are under construction. Mr. Kaiser said rain brought the lake 22
inches above its normal level. That water flowed over the spillway,
causing severe flooding.
The Maumee River crested at 11.04 feet near Defiance at 3:30 a.m.
and had dropped to 10.68 feet by 2 p.m. Flood stage is at 10 feet.
At Napoleon, the river was half a foot below flood stage yesterday
morning and receding.
Michael Sabones, meteorologist in charge of the National Weather
Service office in Syracuse, Ind., said dry weather is forecast for
today and tomorrow.
He said the passing of a cold front over northwest Ohio yesterday
should end the threat of rain for awhile.
"I think the worst is over," Mr. Sabones said. "With so much water
still draining, the drop in the river will be slow, but it will be a
drop."
He said the St. Marys River was highest yesterday at Fort Wayne,
Ind., where it meets the Maumee. That indicated some water had
drained away from Willshire and other areas downstream.
Mercer County Commissioner Jerry Laffin said the receding river
would give emergency workers a chance to get a good night's sleep.
Mr. Laffin said that although the water is receding, significant
damage already has been done.
The local radio station, which the county relies on to disseminate
immediate information, was threatened by water and so commissioners
offered spare space in the county courthouse for its continued
operations.
According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, cost-sharing
funds are being made available to those livestock farmers impacted
by the storms in the western portion of the state. Eligible farmers
would receive up to $1,500 per farm for emergency livestock waste
facility construction.
In Van Wert County, the Department of Job and Family Services plans
to accept applications for disaster aid at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. today
in the cafeteria at Parkway Middle School in Willshire.
Applications also will be taken from 9 a.m. to noon tomorrow at the
Job and Family Services office in Van Wert.
Families with disaster-related losses or damage may qualify for up
to $1,500 if they have dependent children and meet income
guidelines. Grants of up to $500 also are available for people with
disabilities, and for those over 55 who don't have dependent
children.
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