CLEARFIELD – It is “extremely unlikely” local municipalities will receive any disaster relief funding to help with recovery efforts from Thursday night’s destructive Clearfield flood, according to Joe Bigar, the county’s emergency services director.
“I don’t see where we’ll meet the federal thresholds for disaster relief,” he said in a phone interview with GANT News Monday morning. “The thresholds are extremely high; I don’t think there’s any way for us to meet them at this point.”
A total of 5.66 inches of rain – including 2.5 inches from 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday night, according to AccuWeather – walloped the area. Flooding resulted in power outages, roadway closures and water rescues.
Around two dozen residents were displaced from their homes and sought refuge at shelters. Shelters were opened at the Trinity United Methodist Church of Clearfield as well as at the Hyde Fire Company.
This is believed to be the worst, single-day rainstorm in the Clearfield area in decades. “The 1964 flood was the last devastation that we had like this,” said Randy Powell, Lawrence Township supervisor chairman, at a press conference Friday.
“We had a little in East End a few years ago, but it was nothing compared to what we went through here Thursday night.” Borough Operations Manager Leslie Stott added that about two years ago, Clearfield’s “neighbors” faced the same flood problems in DuBois.
“It’s very overwhelming when you see trailers and homes surrounded by the water almost up to their rooftop.” It will be “a long time” before the clean-up process is complete, Stott said.
Although it is unlikely disaster relief will become available, Lawrence Township Secretary Barbara Shaffner said the township’s office is still urging residents to keep track of their damages and expenses and report them.
The township has also made two dumpsters available to its residents for disposal of any waste materials, debris or appliances during their clean-up efforts. “We’re doing all we can do right now,” she said.
Clearfield Borough officials also plan to continue to collect data from flood victims just in case there’s any chance of disaster relief funding, said Stott. She said they are also helping residents with disposal of any waste or damaged items. “We’re doing the best we can.
“We’re working hand-in-hand with the township since both municipalities were damaged. We’re reaching out to other communities to see if there’s anything we’ve possibility missed and keeping an open mind. We are just in uncharted territory right now.”
Stott said many local community agencies and organizations have stepped up to the plate. She urged those affected by Thursday night’s flooding to connect with the American Red Cross and Salvation Army.
Flood victims are continuing to receive assistance from both organizations. Clean-up kits are still being distributed by the ARC and Salvation Army, according to a spokesperson.
The spokesperson also said that monetary donations are always welcome as well as any cleaning supplies, garbage bags, rubber gloves, etc., and water and food items to assist flood victims.
Clean-up supplies are available to flood victims at a center that has been opened at the corner of Martin and Park streets in Clearfield.
