Victims Cope With Enormity Of Flood

MARTINSVILLE, Ind. -- As floodwaters began receding in some areas Sunday, victims began coping with the enormity of an historic flood that ravaged a large chunk of central and south-central Indiana.

A long recovery is ahead for residents of several counties stricken by the flood.

Ruined appliances and furniture awaited residents of a Martinsville apartment complex, 6News' Rick Hightower reported.

About 4 feet of water had been in the homes, leaving a muddy, mushy mess behind. Just a day earlier, residents had to be rescued by boat.

"We kept waiting and waiting, and they helped us get on there and they kept getting people our stuff, animals, and it was just bad," said Kevin Davis.

Ariel Garrett was one of several residents allowed into her apartment briefly. She found that the flood had taken its toll on everything she owned.

"I wanted to cry, because I've worked three years for everything I've got, and it's gone," Garrett said.

Others carried out baskets of belongings and armloads of keepsakes hoping to dry them out.

American Red Cross volunteers manned Martinsville High School, where flood victims were fed, clothed, given medical attention and a place to sleep.

"For me, it was a lifesaver. If not for this, I wouldn't have had nothing," said Mike Crouch.

About 100 people slept in the shelter on Saturday, but more than 200 received meals.

Kent Knapp was driven out by floodwaters three years ago, but it's different this time.

"I was able to start over after the 2005 flood, but this one wiped me out," Knapp said.

The story was much the same in Monroe and Owen counties, 6News' Renee Jameson reported.

Nelma Taylor and several of her neighbors were forced from their homes by a rising creek in northwestern Monroe County.

"All I kept saying is, 'God, I want to go home. I just want to go home,'" Taylor said.

Homeowners along Montgomery and Clay streets in Spencer found it hard to muster hope.

"I've lost everything. I've lost my house. There are … three houses here that have been moved off their foundations," said Saundra Johnson.

Some were stunned, others crestfallen by the devastation the flood wrought.

"It pretty much makes me want to bring tears to my eyes," said Andy Huerta.

RTV6 and the American Red Cross will have a special all-day event on Tuesday to raise donations for flood victims. It will include a special telethon on RTV6 Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m.