Record-Breaking 9-Inch Flood Devastates Chicago South Suburbs
Chicago’s south suburbs were left devastated after a record-breaking 9-inch flood caused widespread damage to residential areas and businesses. The heavy rainfall transformed neighborhoods into lakes and left residents grappling with the aftermath. This unfortunate event comes just months after the same region experienced significant flooding over the summer.
Homeowners in Calumet City, one of the hardest-hit areas, found themselves cleaning up the mess left behind by the deluge. June Robinson, a resident of Calumet City for 16 years, expressed shock at the extent of the damage caused by the rain. She even witnessed a sinkhole open up outside her home, exacerbating the already dire situation. Robinson’s experience mirrors that of countless others in the community who spent the day dealing with the aftermath of the flood.
The torrential rain wreaked havoc across multiple communities in the south suburbs, with some areas experiencing up to 9 inches of rainfall. Dolton, a nearby town, faced concerns over a potential mudslide, prompting Mayor Tiffany Henyard to provide updates via a Facebook live video.
Lakesha Thomas, another resident of Calumet City, had to take time off work to address the extensive damage in her basement. She described the scene as furniture and belongings floated amidst the floodwaters. Hours after the rainfall, local streets remained closed due to flooding, though some drivers took their chances navigating the waterlogged roads.
The impact of the flood was evident in various aspects of the affected communities. For instance, a local supermarket found itself transformed into waterfront property due to the rising waters. Faced with the daunting task of assessing the damage and rebuilding, homeowners are now seeking answers from the city. Some expressed frustration, pointing out that this was the second flood event they had experienced within the year, yet their property taxes continued to rise.
CBS 2 reached out to Calumet City for information regarding assistance plans for those affected by the flood, but did not receive a response.
This unprecedented flood event highlights the need for effective planning and preparation in the face of extreme weather conditions. As communities clean up and rebuild, it is crucial for local authorities to address the concerns of residents and provide support to those affected.
In the aftermath of this calamity, residents and business owners are left grappling with extensive damage and the arduous process of recovery. The impact of this record-breaking flood will likely be felt for days, if not weeks, as the affected areas work towards restoring normalcy.
