Published: November 03, 2009 07:21 am      

Flooding imminent in D’ville area

Local agencies prepare for water coming downstream from Toledo Bend

DEWEYVILLE — Residents in this small Newton County community are once again watching the Sabine River.

Heavy rain throughout the month of October have saturated many areas, including much of East Texas and Western Louisiana, and the runoff has sent the water surging down the Sabine River into Toledo Bend reservoir.

As the water level rises on the lake, the flood gates are opened and more water is now being sent down the Sabine River towards Deweyville and Orange.

Minor flooding is already occurring as flood stage for the Sabine River in Deweyville is listed at 24 feet. As of 3:45 p.m., Monday, the river was listed at 24.52 feet by the National Weather Service.

With the approaching water and expected flooding, many area agencies are already preparing to assist Deweyville residents, such as the Orange County Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Red Cross workers spent much of the weekend preparing supplies which will be utilized once shelters are opened and volunteers are activated to duty.

In a press release, Ashlee Leonard, Orange County American Red Cross programs manager, said the agency will be ready when needed.

“Volunteers are on standby in our chapter and in neighboring chapters to respond to assist those who will need food and shelter,” Leonard said. “We are working with venders to secure one hot meal a day with a volunteer packed sack meal or MRE (Meal Ready-to-Eat).”

Janie Johnson, Orange County chapter executive, has helped assist residents in Deweyville more than once because of flooding issues along the Sabine River.

“Historically, many residents would use a boat to get in and out of the area and to return home each night,” Johnson explained. “But some will have water in their homes and not be able to return for days, if not weeks.” Johnson explained.

At this time the Orange County Chapter of the Red Cross plans to open a shelter in the Deweyville area, provide meals from the Red Cross Truck, and, upon water receding and the return home for affected residents, provide clean-up kits to help families restore their homes.

According to the National Weather Service, October 2009 is the third wettest October on record for both Southeast Texas and Lake Charles, La. In the Beaumont and Port Arthur area, according to the National Weather Service, a total of 14.9 inches of rain was measured, while Lake Charles received 14.96 inches.

According to Jeff Kelley, Orange County Emergency Management Coordinator, the rising water could begin to affect residents along the Sabine River in Deweyville and into Orange County as early as Wednesday.

The National Weather Service is projecting the Sabine River to reach 25.7 feet by 7 a.m., today, and by 7 a.m., Thursday, the river is expected to reach 28.1 feet by Friday morning.

According to a statement from the National Weather Service, this flooding experience is expected to be very similar to the March 2001 flood with many homes sustaining water damage.

The statement also indicated homes in the Indian Lakes and River Oaks section of the Sabine River could expect flooding. Also Calcasieu Parish in Louisiana, primarily from Alligator Park to the Nibletts Bluff Area near Interstate 10 will be flooded as a result of the rising water.

Some Deweyville residents are already making preparations for potential major flooding, such as Lisa Roberts, who is also an employee for Orange County.

During Monday’s commissioners court meeting, Roberts said she has been preparing and is ready to use a boat, if needed, to get back and forth to her residence once the flood waters arrive.

Roberts, who has been through floods along the river before, also told commissioners she hoped other residents would refrain from attempting to drive around barricades on the flood roads and stay away from the area.

Although no official call for assistance has come yet, Orange County officials said they are ready.

“Right now we are on a wait and see,” Thibodeaux said referring to if Orange County will assist Newton County residents. “We are definitely aware of the issues and want them to know we are here if needed.”