Since last Thursday, the borough of Gilberton has been flooded with over 10 feet water over a rain storm early Thursday.
The borough has put the blame on the start of the flooding on a nearby bridge project on Route 924. As of Monday, the waters were slowly receding but the center of the borough was still under 5 feet of water.
The borough held a meeting to meet with the residents affected at the Continental Hose in the borough.
Gilberton Mayor Mary Lou Hannon holding back tears opened the meeting "I'm so sorry all of you have to go through this, my heart breaks for each and every one of you. I want you all to know that we will be here for you until the end of this."
Mayor Hannon also thanked everyone who has helped out during the evacuations, pumping water, and assisting with bringing food for workers and victims.
The residents expressed their disgust with being able to get back in their homes and were concerned about how they will be getting money for repairs. Borough officials said they are actively working on getting the funding need but did not have answers.
Other residents were also concerned about getting their power turned back. PPL pulled the power from most of the homes along Main Street on Thursday and Friday of last week, and now since the water has receded from many homes, PPL will not return until the electrical is inspected. Affected residents said they are unable to get electrical inspections due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Borough officials also said they would look into the issue.
Borough Vice President Dan Malloy announced that PennDOT is investigating where the water is coming from and that civil engineers will be working in the borough going forward.
Mayor Hannon also announced that the Lehigh Valley Health Network would be provided free tetanus shots for all borough residents.
Hannon also said the borough will be creating a GoFundMe Account to collect for borough residents that will be divided evenly.
EMA Coordinator Frank Zangari told residents they should expect to be questioned before going into homes. Zangari reminded the residents that their homes are secure and are receiving around the clock coverage.
At the end of the meeting, a few groups that attended the meeting stepped forward to announce help.
Girardville Mayor Michael Zangari said the borough will be collecting items to donate to the residents. The items will be dropped off and available at the Girardville Borough Hall. More information will be announced later this week on the project.
Vice President of Dustin's Adventureland, Jeffrey Dunkel, also spoke. He reminded the residents his non-profit will continue to provide food for the borough. Dunkel noted as being a past resident of Mount Carbon and living in Port Carbon now, he feels for the residents.
Photos and Story by J. Reed
