More than $10 million of damage assessed in Salem flood so far

The Department of Homeland Security so far has identified 22 homes and 30 businesses damaged in a devastating flood that swept through the small city of 6,200 in Washington County on May 20, according to Greg Fitzloff, director of Community Development in Salem.

It's just one of the dozen or so agencies responding to the fatality-free disaster that occurred last month.

On Wednesday, U.S. Sens. Joe Donnelly and Todd Young along with U.S. Rep. Trey Hollingsworth called on the federal Small Business Administration to assist in disaster relief to the region, following Gov. Eric Holcomb's request to the SBA earlier this week.

The legislators stated in a letter to the agency that Holcomb certified the damage meets, if not exceeds, the standard needed for SBA assistance.

"The assistance that the SBA would be able to provide under the Disaster Loan Program is essential to helping individuals and businesses in Indiana recover from this event," the letter stated.

If granted, the relief would also apply to eight surrounding counties, including Clark and Floyd, according to a news release from Donnelly's office.

Salem will need aid from several agencies to account for the full extent of the damage, Fitzloff said.

Legislators have "all been very, very responsive" to the fallout of the disaster, he said.

"I think those people that have understood the situation have stepped up to say they will do, that their offices will do whatever they can, and that's been encouraging," he said.

Fitzloff added that those who have been most affected by flooding are frustrated that relief from outside agencies hinges on final reports, which haven't been released. The city was told Homeland Security would have a determination by earlier this week. Some businesses are still waiting to hear back from their insurance companies.

On the evening of May 20, Salem and surrounding communities received 6 inches of rain in 45 minutes, Fitzloff said. A branch of the Blue River that runs through Salem rose by 14 feet in 12 minutes, he said.

"Everything that it touched pretty much was swept away completely," he said.

Water levels rose so fast that there wasn't enough time for people to move possessions, cars or merchandise. Some businesses had 18 to 24 inches of water, while others had 7 feet. In the most extreme cases, businesses lost all their inventory.

"Now, it's a question of whether the building can be saved," Fitzloff said.

Law enforcement assisted in some water rescues.

As they wait on federal and state aid, community members have mobilized to clean up and repair damage in the flood's wake.

"Most places really can't wait for [federal aid]," Fitzloff said. "The event was two and a half weeks ago."

The city's waster water treatment facility sustained damage, which officials had to "get back up and running irregardless," he said. Ten-thousand-gallon steel tanks and four semi-trailers of recycled materials that were stuck in the creek up against a bridge were removed immediately.

"Those things can't wait," Fitzloff said.

Most of the people who were displaced have found temporary places to stay, and others were able to move back into their homes.

The city of Salem has raised almost $33,000 in an emergency disaster relief fund. Other surrounding communities have pitched in their efforts, too.

"And that's all really appreciated," Fitzloff said.