Posted: 8/21/07
Houston evacuation sends many fleeing to Caledonia
By Jane Palen
Special to the Argus
The proverbial 100-year rain over the weekend created widespread flooding in the area, driving many from their homes and contributing to the deaths of at least two people in Houston County.
The entire city of Houston was evacuated Sunday afternoon as fears rose with the flood waters that the levee would give way, but the levee held and residents were able to return to check out their homes on Monday morning. By early afternoon on Monday, several businesses were open and residents were surveying the damage. With rain still in the forecast, many chose to stay an extra night away, just in case.
Residents of Houston were advised to travel to Caledonia. Some stayed with friends or relatives, and others secured rooms at the AmericInn, which was filled to capacity. There were 18 people at a shelter set up at the Caledonia City Auditorium. Another 21, mainly from the Hokah and Brownsville area, stayed at the Red Cross-designated shelter in Brownsville.
Cheryl Hancock, executive director of the Scenic Bluff Chapter of the American Red Cross said that there were more volunteers than there were people seeking shelter. Some were Red Cross volunteers, and others were "spontaneous volunteers" who simply showed up and offered to help. Hancock said a sign-up sheet was established so that the volunteers could work in shifts. She said she expected the shelter to be set up for several nights. The auditorium was also set up to feed about 75 National Guard Troops who were in the area assisting with the rescue efforts.
There is a need for contributions to assist the displaced residents in replacing items that were damaged or destroyed, said Hancock. Those items would include such things as bedding, groceries, or other necessities. Contributions can be left with a Red Cross volunteer at the auditorium, or can be made by calling 1-800-837-6313.
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