Officials are calling it a “once in a 500-year event.” It’s estimated 50 homes and about 30 businesses were damaged in Elsberry this weekend.
LINCOLN COUNTY, Mo. — A State of Emergency remains in effect in parts of Lincoln County. The area is still reeling from the deluge of rain that flooded homes and business in the dark of night.
Officials are calling it a “once in a 500-year event.”
A total of 42 water rescues were performed in the town of Elsberry early Sunday morning.
Damage assessments got underway Monday. It’s estimated 50 homes and about 30 businesses were damaged — this as needs for the community continue to grow.
Julie Hughes lives in the evacuation zone that ran from 2nd Street to 7th Street overnight Saturday as rain poured down.
“I just immediately started praying just for God to stop the water rising,” Hughes said.
The onslaught of water almost completely submerged her car.
“It’s how I get back and forth to work,” Hughes said. “I need a vehicle. I need transportation.”
Hughes said she’s hoping her car will turn over at some point in the next few days, but the damage is still extensive.
On Saturday night where Hughes lives on South 3rd Street, there was waist-high water.
“I sent my nephew in the raft with fire and rescue and stayed behind with my animals,” Hughes remembered.
Her neighbors next door are moving out because they didn’t have an elevated home and their house is now ruined.
“I really was one of the fortunate ones,” Hughes said. “Just to see the outpouring of community support and people coming from surrounding counties to help.”
Elsberry United Methodist Church, 109 North 4th Street, continues to have a constant stream of supplies and food going out. The church was even providing showers in mobile units for anyone who may need them at least through Tuesday.
“We’ve had businesses come out all day and give free food from their food trucks, free drinks,” Kevin Seely, a volunteer at the church said. “That kind of powers all your volunteers to keep moving and you have a lot of people just come out here for manpower out of those small businesses.”
Seely lives in New Hope which is about five and a half miles southwest of Elsberry. Continuing to be impressed by people stepping up where they can especially the small businesses, Seely said, “they don’t want money. They don’t want any tips. Which is something you don’t see much and it’s super nice to see that in a small town.”
The church’s pastor Laura Taylor said a growing concern is whether or not people have flood insurance rather than just homeowner’s insurance.
“People have been posting about how they contacted their insurance companies and discovered that they don’t have flood insurance and that this flash flood won’t be covered in any way,” Taylor said. “There is a lot of shock and now there is anger.”
The aftermath has spread all the way to cornfields on Hatfield Road which are submerged in remaining water as of Monday night.
“But it’s going to take some time for people to find out how they can get help,” Taylor said. “Or if we even qualify for help.”
How to help
For neighbors looking to help with cleanup, contact Lincoln County Emergency Management at 636-528-6110.
The Care Service is collecting urgent donations to support immediate and ongoing needs for Elsberry.
You can drop off physical donations at The Care Service’s St. Charles office during regular business hours (Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) at 4116 McClay Rd., St. Charles.
The emergency center at the Elsberry United Methodist Church, located at 109 N 4th St., is prepared to help families, as well.
Elsberry Alderman Justin Bange said on a Facebook post a public meeting is scheduled for Friday at 4:30 p.m. in order for a long term recovery committee to be formed.
You can also donate money to help flood victims. 14 churches with the Elsberry Ministerial Alliance Office are helping to organize the collection. You can write a check to the Lincoln County EMA and mail it to 109 N. 4th Street in Elsberry.