Residents Left Picking Up the Pieces as Flood Cleanup Begins

Oklahoma City crews have started the process of picking up debris left after last week's flooding.

Monday, June 21st 2010, 2:52 pm

By: News 9


By Kirsten McIntyre, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City crews have started the process of picking up debris left after last week's flooding.

Sanitation crews were in The Valley neighborhood Monday morning hauling off large piles of belongings damaged by the water.

Workers said it will likely take more than a day to pick up all the trash.

Homeowners say the shock is beginning to wear off and the reality is setting in. Many have lost everything and are without flooding insurance to pay for damages.

Daniel Parker spent the last week gutting the inside of his home. His furniture and belongings are piled up on the curb outside.

"I'd definitely say it's starting to set in the hub bub around here is settling down so you really start to think and it gets to you," said Parker.

"This stuff…they walk out and they see their treasures still piled up on the yard. It's really difficult. They really want that out," said volunteer Don Proctor.

But homeowners don't want it removed by scavengers. They've been coming into flood ravaged neighborhoods and taking what's been thrown away as trash. Oklahoma City police are aware of the problem and officers are in place to give residents peace of mind.

Volunteers are trying to ease residents' suffering too. A group of girls traveled to Oklahoma from all over the country. For them, it's a ministry to help others during a disaster.

"From other disasters I've worked, this is a great group of people to work with. Very friendly, they're open to us coming in to help them out," said volunteer Abbi Bergeron.

"Fifteen girls came in here, cleaned out my garage. They moved all these appliances out here by themselves. They tore out all the tile out of my house. They're awesome…Girl power!" said flood victim Rachel Lee.

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