Flood Leaves Massive Problems In Port Deposit
PORT DEPOSIT, Md. (WJZ) -- The waters have gone down, but they've left massive problems behind. Roads are still closed and some have lost most of what they own.
Mike Hellgren has the worst of the damage.
The mud in Port Deposit is several feet thick and the cleanup is backbreaking work.
For Lelie Orr, it's heartbreaking, too.
"I have people here helping me. I can't even tell them what to do because I don't know," Orr said.
She has a basement covered in mud and water.
"We need volunteers. We need dryers to dry out our basements and our flooring," Orr said. "We're also trying to get food donations for all of us who have lost everything."
At its peak, with dozens of floodates open at the Conowingo Dam, the Susquehanna River inundated Main Street, covering cars and buildings. The river rose to its third highest level since the dam was built, which is what left behind this crusty, dirty mess.
Federal help is on its way and neighbors are helping each other, too.
"We were a little overwhelmed," said Chris Rodgers.
Floods also devastated Howard County and at least 10 roads and bridges are closed in Baltimore County. The damage on Offutt Road is so severe, it could be next spring before it's reopened.
Some feel abandoned with no place to go. The water may have receded but the frustration is building.
"We're not a bunch of heathens down here. We're human beings who need help," said Gayle Wysock. "I'll never give up on this town and I won't give up on making things right in this town."
The Ray of Hope mission is assisting flood victims in Port Deposit. To learn more or to donate, click here.
