Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Monday, May 22, 2017
(SALEM) - The water receded significantly in Salem Saturday morning but it left a trail of damage in its wake.
Officials say 18 feet of water flooded three main areas of the city -- Water Street, East Market Street and Main Street. Many businesses were ruined, electricity was out and millions of dollars in damage has been estimated due to flash flooding along Brock Creek and Blue River.
Heavy thunderstorms moved into the area and dumped nearly six inches of rain within 45 minutes.
Downtown Salem, including Market and Walnut streets, was one of the hardest hit areas.
The U.S. Highway 60 bridge over the West Fork Blue River closed for a time after two large petroleum tanks and three semi-trailers containers smashed into it.
Businesses and homes in the area were under several feet of water and firefighters had to make several rescues.
Officials estimate there is millions of dollars in damage.
Police say there were no deaths or major injuries from the flooding.
Jason Cockerill was on the scene, reaching out on behalf of US Representative Trey Hollingsworth.
Cockerill said the federal money would come when the State of Indiana issued a disaster declaration. Once that was done, then federal monies could and would be released.
As of Sunday morning, the Washington County Sheriff's Department reported South Main Street was open. High Street is still closed.
Nearly all Duke Energy customers have had their power restored. Kentucky Fried Chicken, Main Street Pizza & Subs, Wendy's and the area of the old Child Craft Buildings are the only customers still without power.
Duke Energy has numerous work crews still in the area working around the clock to restore the power.
Please drive with caution in the areas with work trucks and crews.
The American Red Cross went door to door to both residents and businesses to begin assessing the damage.
Several churches and organizations also reached out to help, including the Care Pregnancy Center and the Washington County Family YMCA serving food. The YMCA also opened its facilities up to those needing showers and somewhere to go while the flood waters recede.
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