Rotary Club of Houghton Flood Relief Fund to benefit those affected by the Father’s Day Flooding Disaster. Please consider donating.
In the early morning hours of Father’s Day 2018 areas of the Keweenaw Peninsula experienced record rainfall amounts (between 5”- 7” in northern Houghton County) resulting in massive amounts of flooding, along with mud and rock slides in a storm described by the National Weather Service as a “Once in 1000 Years” event. Many of the streets were buried in dirt and stone. Some are just gone. Area Rotarians have been on the ground helping the process of getting streets open and helping property owners clean out their homes and businesses. Information on the extent and estimated costs are still being gathered; however, it is apparent the damage is extensive. See links below.
Slurry pumps donated by Marquette Rotary and Eagle Mine in action:
Once the initial digging out is completed residents will face the financial hardships of repairing structural damage and replacing the mechanical systems in their homes. Officials in the area have indicated that Federal aid is unlikely and that the available state aid is limited and will mostly be used to offset some of the costs incurred by the local municipalities. Given the flood nature of the damage, homeowners’ insurance policies will not cover damages.
The Rotary Club of Houghton has established a Flood Relief Fund. The Fund will assist property owners who do not have the resources to repair and replace the damage. Those familiar with the area know we are only a few months away from another heating season. Imagine being a homeowner without a working furnace.
Those who are interested in donating to this effort can send a check to Rotary Club of Houghton, P.O. Box 102, Houghton MI 49931-0102. Please designate your donation for the Flood Relief Fund.
For information contact Jerry Hintz ghintz@mtu.edu .
