WNC Flood Damage is Widespread

WNC Flood Damage is Widespread

Front page article describing property damage from the flood. Pritchard likens this flood to the memorial day weekend flood three years prior, but in contrast to that flood, no people were killed or injured on the 28th. It also states that the final cost of damage in the 1973 flood was around $8 million. The cost of damage from this flood is estimated to exceed $1 million. The worst hit areas were Black Mountain, Swannanoa, Candler and Fairview. Property and crop losses were high in these places. Figures for the cost of damage in each town are printed, along with a weather forecast. An expert says that the "flooding in WNC was almost identical to rain damages experienced in the area just two weeks ago; "the same type of flooding, the same areas and the same types of damages." The only difference, he says, is that crop damages are worse this time. One death has been recorded; a WCU student who entered the water in a kayak. The French Broad crested at 9.5'. Several different groups of people have been stranded by the rising waters, and needed rescue from first responders. Over 100 combined residents were evacuated from two trailer parks, and around 50 were shelted in a local school. Most damage to powerlines was done in the Biltmore, Swannanoa, and Botany Woods areas. This article is accompanied by a photo of the Swannanoa River lapping at the bottom of the Biltmore Avenue bridge during the height of the flood. The picture was taken by June Glenn Jr.

Newspapers.com

English

NEWS_115, NEWS_116

1,4