A Chapel Hill flood has forced dozens of residents to flee their homes and relocate temporarily.
Chapel Hill Flood Affects Local Village
In Chapel Hill, nearly 20 individuals are grappling with the aftermath of water flooding their homes. Workers have been tearing out floors, and residents are attempting to salvage their belongings. This all unfolded within 24 hours of the floodwaters wreaking havoc on the condos on Tuesday night.
Joyce Lester is just one of several people who are uncertain about their temporary residence. “I don’t have anywhere to go or somebody to help me,” Lester told local news. “I’m on my own.”
Shana Carter, residing a few doors down, has experienced this situation twice. Reflecting on the extensive damage, she remarked, “It’s been a while since it’s been this much damage, and they’ve had to do water rescue out here.”
Erick Hurlburt, relying on disability, is in the process of coming up with a plan. Recounting the ordeal, he said, “We had a flash flood that came through, the second time in less than 6 months. It happened back in June. It was a total loss, then. It’s a total loss now.”
Evacuations Took Place
Some residents had to evacuate by boat and relocate to a local hotel. Hurlburt, facing uncertainty, stated, “Right now, I won’t be able to stay here for the next month, and I’ve already paid the rent for this month.”
The property manager, Barbara Duffy, informed local news that the Chapel Hill flood affected nearly 25 condos. She spent the day assessing the properties for an insurance claim, noting that the affordable housing community is in a floodway.
Duffy highlighted the significant financial impact. “These are pretty massive claims, several hundred thousand dollars worth of claims that we need to do. We’ve got tenants that will be displaced,” she said.
Due to the area’s susceptibility to flooding, sand barriers were set up in the neighborhood to impede the water’s reach to the condos. Despite these efforts, Carter expressed hope for a respite. “Hopefully, this won’t happen again for at least another 2 years,” she said.
Management is considering long-term solutions, including flood walls or elevating the units. Despite the challenges, Hurlburt maintained a resilient perspective, stating, “Life will go on somehow, some way.”
