NASHVILLE, Ill. — President Joe Biden has signed Major Disaster Declarations for seven Illinois counties, including St. Clair and Washington, due to flash floods in July.
After serving as Washington County Emergency Manager for the past eight years, Matt Bierman has learned he always has to have his eye on the radar.
“We keep an eye on it on a regular basis,” Bierman said. “When it looks like it could potentially be bad we look a lot harder at it.”
However, nothing could’ve prepared him for the amount of rain that fell on Nashville, Illinois on July 13.
“6.57 inches,” Bierman said. “I’ve never seen rain like that around here.”
Homes were evacuated after water blew out the fuse plug of the Nashville City Reservoir and flash flooding left drivers stranded.
“The interstate got shut down,” Bierman said. “We’ve never had the interstate shutdown for 8 hours ago because of a lot of rain.”
More than two months later, the waters have receded, and Washington and St. Clair County residents are eligible for federal assistance to cover the cost of home repairs and temporary housing, as well as low interest loans to cover uninsured property losses.
“Anybody that had flood damage can apply and hopefully get a little bit of money,” Bierman said. “It’s not a lot, but it is a little bit of money.”
Bierman said 71 families have already come forward to report flood damage, but he believes that’s just a fraction of those impacted.
"If you need the help, reach out for it,” Bierman said. “It seems like in Washington County a lot of people are older, they're proud, and they don't want to ask for help. It's there. Take it!"
If you live in Washington or St. Clair County, and experienced flood damage between July 13-16, click here to apply for assistance.
You can also file a FEMA claim by calling 800-621-3362.
