Key Takeaways
- Rescue crews in Clackamas County responded to multiple emergencies on Friday, including a man trapped in a park and a family of six stranded in a car due to flood waters.
- A fire broke out at a home in Shady Dell, east of Molalla, which had been evacuated due to flooding.
- Evacuation orders were imposed on 300 homes, and a 90-bed emergency shelter was set up at Clackamas Community College.
- The shelter, run by the American Red Cross, is equipped with food, drinks, charging stations, and cots for those in need.
- The cause of the fire is under investigation, and the water is receding, allowing for assessment of the damage and needs of the affected areas.
Introduction to the Flood Emergency
Rescue crews in Clackamas County had a busy morning on Friday as flood waters caused chaos in the area. The first emergency call came in around 7:45 a.m., when a man at Wagon Wheel Park became stranded after the waters of the Molalla River jumped their banks. A Clackamas Fire crew in a boat rescued the man, who was clinging to a tree. This incident marked the beginning of a series of emergencies that would unfold throughout the morning, as the flood waters continued to rise and cause problems for residents in the area.
Multiple Rescues and Emergencies
About 15 minutes after the first rescue, crews responded to a second water rescue, also in Liberal, when two adults and four children in a car became trapped on South Holmes Road, not far from Oregon Route 213 and South Macksburg Road. The family was likely trying to navigate the flooded roads, but unfortunately, their car became stuck, putting them in a precarious situation. Fortunately, rescue crews were able to respond quickly and safely extract the family from the vehicle. Around the same time, an electrical fire broke out in a home in Shady Dell, east of Molalla. Firefighters encountered several feet of flood waters inside the home but quickly extinguished the flames. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and it is a reminder of the many hazards that can arise during flooding, including electrical fires and other accidents.
Evacuation Efforts and Shelter
In total, evacuation orders were imposed on 300 homes, according to the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office. To support those affected by the flooding, a 90-bed emergency shelter was set up at the Clackamas Community College campus in Oregon City. Volunteers with the American Red Cross established the shelter, which is equipped with sandwiches, coffee, hot cocoa, water, snacks, charging stations, and plenty of cots. Although no one showed up at the shelter late Thursday or Friday morning in need of a place to stay, volunteers are ready to provide assistance if flooding resumes. Shelter site supervisor Kim Falk emphasized that the shelter is open and ready to help those in need, saying, "If their electricity is out, they’re welcome to come here. Until the [Clackamas County] emergency management says that we can close, our shelters are open."
Assessment and Recovery
As the water recedes, rescue crews and emergency management officials are able to assess the damage and needs of the affected areas. Molalla Fire Chief Vince Stafford noted that the water is receding pretty fast, which is a good thing, allowing crews to go out and assess the situation. The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office and other emergency responders are working to determine the extent of the damage and provide support to those affected by the flooding. The establishment of the emergency shelter and the efforts of volunteers and rescue crews demonstrate the community’s commitment to helping those in need during this difficult time.
Conclusion and Ongoing Support
The flooding in Clackamas County on Friday highlighted the importance of emergency preparedness and response. The quick actions of rescue crews and the establishment of the emergency shelter helped to mitigate the effects of the flooding and provide support to those affected. As the community begins to recover from the flooding, it is essential to recognize the efforts of the emergency responders, volunteers, and organizations that came together to provide assistance. The shelter will remain open until further notice, and residents are encouraged to seek help if they need it. By working together, the community can recover from this flooding event and be better prepared for future emergencies.