Scioto County community picks up pieces after Hurricane Helene damage

PORTSMOUTH, OH (WOWK)– Communities are working together in Scioto County to clean up after Hurricane Helene caused massive amounts of flooding.

A State of Emergency was declared Monday morning for Scioto County to assist in recovery efforts, including gaining aid on a federal and state level.

On Friday, Sept. 27, the remnants of Hurricane Helene swept through southern Ohio, dropping seven inches of rain on Portsmouth and causing flash floods across the area.

Since then, the Red Cross and the Salvation Army have been going door to door to assess the needs of those impacted, as well as providing food and recovery kits to those in need.

Thousands were impacted by the flooding and even more were affected by power outages and wind damage.

At Shawnee State University, students had to be evacuated and relocated after the basement units of a university apartment complex flooded.

Julie Derenemesnil, a senior, said that water was up to her knees and cars were floating in the parking lot. Derenemesnil used to live in the apartments that flooded and felt an immense amount of sympathy for those who were flooded.

However, Derenemesnil said it was incredible watching the community come together.

“But I feel like it shows that no matter what we do, like, we all care about each other, you know what I’m saying?” said Derenemesnil, “And I think that I think that was just beautiful to witness.”

For High Street resident James Roberts, the flooding caused water damage to his home, however, he told 13 News that it could have been much worse.

Other residents of High Street say that water flooded up to 12 feet during the storm. And now residents are left dealing with the damage to their homes, cars, and essential appliances like water heaters.

However, they too worked to help keep each other safe, wading into deep waters and lending kayaks and boats to help rescue those trapped in their homes and cars.

“Well, everyone just really kind of watching out for each other, make sure that despite the fact there’s water is coming up pretty fiercely between houses look like a steady, gushing water coming out,” said Roberts. “Thinking how bad is this going to be? And then watching out, making sure, hey, no one’s going to be in harm’s way.”

Scioto County Emergency Management is looking to document all reported damages to try and aid as many residents as possible. The form can be found on Scioto County Emergency Management’s Facebook page.

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