[ad_1]
Paterson, New Jersey – Financial support for victims is underway last month’s flood Along the Passaic River property damaged by water.
“We couldn’t walk here. No one could walk here. The water was high. The water was high,” Anthony Gardner said.
Gardner, a longtime Paterson resident, feared for his life last month when the Passaic River rose rapidly on Bergen Street.
“It’s up to my neck,” he said.
A rescue boat was used to rescue him. Also, a boat carried resident Col. Fanuel Gaddafi and his neighbors to safety as water climbed the steps to their mansion.
“The fire department had to come and get us out of here,” Gaddafi said. “It’s been happening for a long time.”
The city of Paterson is partnering with United Way Passaic County and other organizations to raise money for residents who suffered losses from heavy rains and flooding late last month. This donation drive began with a business owner’s donation of $10,000.
Mayor Andre Sayegh hopes this will spark more generosity.
“Anyone who can afford to donate to this fund for Paterson flood victims,” he said.
Some residents and city leaders know the river will jump its banks again, and several long-term solutions are under consideration.
“Should we buy these homes and keep these individuals out of harm’s way?” Saig said. “We want to put together a strategic plan.”
Aito store owner Ney Jaime said engineering projects and real estate replacements will take time.
“No one has insurance. No one is providing insurance. No one is coming from FEMA. They give nothing to the government, they give nothing,” Jaime said. “Do you understand my situation? I’m in a bad situation right now.”
His auto repair shop has been repeatedly flooded by the nearby Passaic River. He plans to move before the end of this year, preferably before the next big flood.
[ad_2]
Source link
