Residents of the Riverwalk community in West Palm Beach, Florida, have spent several days dealing with the aftermath of historic downpours that flooded roads and made it hard for them to leave their homes. Besides the floodwater, they also face a threat from wildlife, for which their neighborhood has become one big body of water. In recent days, residents have reported seeing fish, venomous snakes and even alligators in the water.
Meteorologists estimated the chance of rainfall as heavy as what hit the region last week at “once in 100” years, and some put it at “once in 1,000 years.” Water covered the streets of the gated Riverwalk community, among other places, keeping some residents from using their cars and moving around freely.
“It’s like an apocalyptic event,” Don Gentile, a resident of the community, told WPTV. He added that virtually every street was flooded to some degree. In other parts of the county, roads were also affected, and several polling places had to be moved during Tuesday’s election.
Wild animals moving in with the floodwater proved to be an additional danger. Residents reported fish, snakes and alligators appearing right next to their homes.
While showing a WPTV reporter around his property, Gentile came across an alligator. His neighbor James Whited pointed to the animal’s size, comparing its head to “a Volkswagen.” The presence of such animals makes it even harder for residents to move safely through the flooded areas.
Residents have been advised to be cautious, avoid unnecessary travel and stay off flooded roads. Floodwaters are expected to recede gradually, but some streets remain impassable.
Ed. JŁ
Source: Słoneczne Radio
