A week after the flood in Camp Verde in northern Arizona, residents are beginning to rebuild, and town officials estimate the effort will be costly and uncertain. The water destroyed or severely damaged hundreds of homes.
The flooding began on Sunday, Nov. 1, and forced mass evacuations. By evening, some residents were still trapped in their homes. Officers from the Camp Verde Marshal’s Office went door to door rescuing people, often breaking windows or forcing doors open. The river later rose more than 20 feet (about 6 meters) and overflowed its banks again.
According to Verde Valley Fire Chief Danny Johnson, more than 350 homes were affected in Camp Verde alone. Including neighboring communities served by the department, the number rises to about 600. Firefighters responded to more than 50 rescue calls. Among those rescued were a six-week-old infant and an elderly woman, about 81 or 82 years old. Johnson said the early evacuation order saved lives.
Access to some neighborhoods remains difficult because of mud and debris. Crews are checking homes one by one, assessing the extent of the damage and delivering supplies to people who were cut off for several days.
Interim Town Manager Charlie Cassens said the cost of the flood response quickly exceeded Camp Verde’s budget. Gov. Katie Hobbs issued emergency proclamations meant to unlock relief funds. It is not clear, however, when the money will reach the town. According to FOX 10, the emergency declaration opened a $200,000 pool for rebuilding. The money is to go toward repairing infrastructure, clearing roads and helping people who lost their homes.
The town government has launched a page on campverde.az.gov with information about flood recovery. The economic development department is contacting businesses affected by the flood. It is gathering information about their situation and losses. In the coming weeks, the town plans to hold a forum for business owners. Residents and business owners should follow the town’s official channels, where information about assistance and inspections will appear. The shop Ruby Road Vintage is running a drop-off point for donations for people who had to leave their homes.
Source: AZFamily
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