Emotions Raw At City's Flood Meeting

COLUMBUS, Ind. -- Emotions were raw and debate got heated Tuesday night at a meeting organized for flood victims in Columbus.

Some residents said they don't know where to turn after rain dumped as much as 11 inches on the region, flooding numerous homes, 6News' Renee Jameson

"Nobody has answers. We don't know what to do, where to go, what our next step is," said Nancy Burch. "I have no home."

Residents crowded into a Columbus middle school gym, also the location of the American Red Cross shelter, hoping to get answers.

"Our house is totally ruined, and you can't even walk in it because the floor is caving in," said one woman. "So how would FEMA get to us if we can't even get there?"

Mayor Fred Armstrong organized the informational meeting and told residents that he had asked Gov. Mitch Daniels on behalf of the residents to ask President George W. Bush for help.

"It's time for the federal government to help people, or continue to help people in the United States and, specifically for me, Columbus, Indiana," Armstrong said.

A FEMA representative was at the meeting, telling victims that relief takes time. FEMA inspectors have been surveying damage in the devastated areas.

"Show them your damage when they come around … because that's how a disaster declaration will progress," said Diego Alvarado, of FEMA.

Help can't come soon enough for people who have no home, belongings or insurance.

"We're all in the same boat. We all need to help each other. We don't need to gripe and complain and get mad," said one woman. "It's not going to solve anything."

Armstrong said police officers are stationed in the most devastated areas. Thirteen looters have been arrested so far.