|
“Because the June floods occurred early in the growing season for corn and soybeans, and vegetable crops were already established, we knew our commercial agricultural industry was at risk,” says Purdue Extension director Chuck Hibberd.
Steinbarger says early estimates show that debris removal could cost anywhere from $70,000 to $200,000. “We’re going to need assistance to repair the damage,” he says. “We’ve been so up and down with our emotions. I’ve been told this was a 500-year flood. I just hope my kids never have to witness something like this in their lifetimes.”
Flood hits close to home
In neighboring Johnson County, the Purdue Extension office (Johnson County) in Franklin was also a victim—demolished by a 7-foot wall of water that rushed through the building. “It was devastating to see the damage,” says Purdue Extension educator Linda Souchon. “When we were finally able to enter the building, it was still wet and muddy. The walls were busted. It looked like someone had just dropped all of the office furniture, chairs and office supplies from the sky.”
Very little was salvageable, but the staff worked with what little they had to help other flood victims. “The Monday after the flood, we moved into a temporary office. By Tuesday, we had three new computers,” Souchon says. “Our staff put together packets with flood information, and the 4-H Junior Leaders went out into the community to distribute them to those families who had lost everything.”
Lynne Schuetz and her family, Franklin residents for 33 years, suffered substantial losses in the flood. Schuetz says that Purdue Extension was a valuable resource during their time of need. “Our foundation wall was destroyed by the wall of water that filled our basement and flooded the 15-year-old addition to our 100-year-old house. We were in shock,” she says, “But when the Junior Leaders came to check on us, their energy and willingness to get the job done really helped us keep going. It was astonishing; the Extension office had been destroyed, yet just a few days after the flood they were delivering very helpful information to us.”
Long road to recovery
While much short-term recovery has occurred, some physical and emotional recovery will take longer. In addition to its role as a first responder, Purdue Extension is partnering with other organizations to assist with long-term recovery efforts as well. Families like the Schuetzes say this assistance gives them direction and helps with recovery. “We’re not there yet,” Schuetz says, “But we’re improving.”
Contact Jennifer Stewart
Related Sidebar: Leadership and Heart Spur Response and Recovery
|
