Disaster Officials Review South Jersey Flood Damage, Assessing Need for Aid
BRIDGETON, N.J. (CBS) - Crews from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are combing sections of South Jersey for the next few days, assessing for themselves the damage stemming from last weekend's flooding rains (see related stories).
Some two dozen roads throughout Cumberland County were badly damaged, including one that crosses Seeley Lake. Two sections of Finley Road (top photo) are gone -- along with most of the lake water.
"The dam was breached on Sunday," explains county freeholder Sam Fiocchi (right), "so now all the water is draining out and there's none left. And there won't be until the dam gets repaired."
A total of four dams in the area need work. About six roads remained closed nearly a week after the torrential rainstorms.
FEMA team leader Walter Dobinson says two crews are working their way through Cumberland and Salem counties, along with parts of Camden, Gloucester, and Atlantic counties, with two issues to address in the wake of last weekend's flooding.
"To answer the questions: (whether) it is beyond the capability of the state and local government to respond to, and that federal assistance is required," Dobinson explains.
FEMA is taking copious notes to compile a report on damage to be submitted within days to the state. Governor Chris Christie will use that report to decide whether to apply for federal assistance.
As for homeowners who suffered damage, they've been told to contact the county, document the damage, and then begin their cleanup.
Reported by David Madden, KYW Newsradio 1060
