‘It was a disaster’: South Jersey residents focus on damage left behind by massive flooding

Jun. 22--As reality hit Friday, and the once-raging waters that forced evacuations and flooded roadways receded, South Jersey residents began cleaning up the damage from one of the worst storms to strike the region in more than three decades.

In heavily hit spots in Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester Counties, residents allowed to return to their homes were assessing the damage the storms caused while insurance adjusters and electricians made visits to determine needed repairs. Outside, utility crews were restoring service to power and gas lines.

In Westville, the fire department pumped out basements on High Street under a foot of water, and street sweepers cleaned up debris, said Police Chief Bill Whinna.

"They're on the road to recovery," Whinna said. The post office reopened, but the heavily flooded Colonial Bank, the only bank in the town, will remain closed for several days, he said.

A state of emergency declared by Gov. Phil Murphy on Thursday remained in effect. The storm dumped several inches of rain in several areas, prompting evacuations. Medford, which had the highest total, had more than six inches of rain fall, according to totals from the National Weather Service.

Rainfall that threatened to add to the flooding Thursday night into Friday morning never materialized. But the area may not be out of the woods. The National Weather Service said more rain was possible next week and a flood watch remained in effect for the North Branch of the Rancocas Creek at Pemberton.

In downtown Mount Holly, Darlene Tappier, owner of Beacon of Hope, a social services agency on Mill Street, was praying there would not be another storm. Beacon of Hope was spared this time, but she fears severe flooding could damage newly purchased freezers stocked with supplies for a food pantry that serves the needy.

"If we got hit with another storm, [the water is] coming inside...," she said, "we're going to get washed out."

Mount Holly resident Michael Brolo said he thought his home made it out of the flood unscathed -- until about 10 a.m. Friday, when he and his wife discovered 2 feet of water in the basement.

His hot water heater, air-conditioning unit, tools, and other supplies were all stored there, he said, estimating the damage would cost $9,000. On top of that, he had to purchase a $500 pump to drain the water.

"Every time we get a heavy rain and high tide, that happens," Brolo said, gesturing toward the Rancocas Creek overflowing onto Monroe Street.

At Trinity Episcopal Church in Southampton Township, Tom Bridge and other parishioners were cleaning up from the storm, a process that they say could take up to six months. The church's all-purpose room, kitchen, choir room, office, and bathroom were all damaged. The sanctuary was the one area of the church that remained dry.

"We had water running in the front door and out the back door," Bridge said. "It was a disaster."

Southampton Township Administrator Kathleen Hoffman said residents need restoration relief from the county, state, and federal governments. She said it was too soon to know how many people would apply for such assistance.

"The floodwaters have gone down, but there are still high tides coming and going. Once we're able to get into the areas and homes that are affected, we'll be able to start assessment of properties," Hoffman said. The damage totals, she said, could be in the "millions of dollars."

South Jersey residents woke up Thursday to downpours. A number of spots in the Garden State saw more than 5 inches, prompting officials to evacuate some from their homes. Some residents remained displaced Friday and could remain out of their homes for several weeks during the cleanup.

Dayla Leadum, 30, a medical assistant and mother of three, stood outside of her rented Westville home in despair. Nearly everything on the first floor was ruined, the electricity was shut off, and her basement was still flooded.

"What's my plan? Honestly, I don't know," she said. "I've never been through anything like this."

Red Cross workers returned to the worst-hit neighborhoods Friday afternoon to deliver supplies and meals from "mobile feeding" vans for residents whose food was spoiled when they lost power. In Westville, volunteers passed out chicken, baked beans, and broccoli.

Rebecca Wadsworth, among nearly 60 displaced residents, said her car was totaled, and she knows she will likely need to replace the floorboards in her home.

The toughest loss for many residents went beyond the property damages.

Macedonia Baptist Church in Westville lost its Christmas decorations, which were kept in the basement.

Linda Conover's washer, dryer, and heater were destroyed, along with irreplaceable "30 years of memories" in her flooded basement. Asked what she would do moving forward, Conover shrugged and said, "We have no idea."

Officials in the three counties are compiling damage estimates that will be submitted to the state. New Jersey may seek assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. A preliminary estimate is expected after the flood waters recede and homes as well as public highways and bridges are inspected for damage.

Recovery efforts in Camden County were centered on hard-hit towns, including Haddonfield, Cherry Hill, Barrington, and Bellmawr, said spokesperson Dan Keashen. Most county and local roads closed by flooding were open Friday. The Cooper River and Pennsauken Creek swelled Thursday and more than 70 water rescues were made.

"It looks like we're in pretty good shape," Keashen said.

In Burlington County, the Vincentown Bridge remained flooded Friday, along with some roads, said spokesperson Nicholas Gangemi. The biggest challenge was keeping residents from driving or walking through the floodwaters to return to their homes, he said.

"It's contaminated. We don't know how deep it is," Gangemi said. The county also urged residents to avoid lakes and recreational areas until tests are conducted.

Burlington County issued an advisory for homeowners with wells impacted by the flooding that are likely contaminated. Water should be boiled for at least five minutes before use. Once the water recedes, the well should be disinfected by a certified well driller and tested, the county said.

Staff writers Anthony R. Wood and Patricia Madej contributed to this article.

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