10/04/2024
Hey everyone,
I've never asked for help like this before, but my mom and stepdad, Val and Bob, are facing a tough situation. Their home in Leland, NC, originally in a non-flooding zone, has now flooded twice due to recent overdevelopment, clear-cutting of forests, and poor drainage in surrounding areas.
A sudden cyclone hit at 9:30 pm, giving them only minutes to evacuate before a flash flood arrived. They had no warning until a first responder knocked on their door. Thankfully, they escaped in Bob's truck, but Val's car couldn't make it through the water and was totaled.
At a town meeting, officials told residents, "The water has to go somewhere." Six years ago during Hurricane Florence, FEMA couldn't assist them because their home's foundation was two inches above the qualifying level, even though water reached just below the second floor. Because FEMA wouldn't help last time, we don't expect them to offer aid now.
Once the water subsided, they were able to return to retrieve some items and take pictures, which I've included in this post. Unfortunately, everything on the first floor had to be thrown out. The walls need to be torn down and the flooring pulled up.
The house is inhabitable, and they are staying in temporary housing.
I've put together an Amazon list (link below )of everyday items they needβthings many of us take for granted. If you'd like to help, any item purchased will be shipped directly to the friend's house, Jeannie Cole, nearby.
Any support is greatly appreciated!
https://a.co/h08Ypwt
