News Release
For Immediate Release
June 18, 2001
 

Greenleaf Calls for Disaster Aid for Flood Victims

Willow Grove, PA - In the wake of devastating flooding and an apartment fire that claimed the lives of at least four residents, State Senator Stewart J. Greenleaf (R., 12 District) has asked Governor Tom Ridge and President George W. Bush to declare the area a disaster.

"First thing this morning I faxed letters to the President and the Governor requesting their disaster declarations so that government aid might be available to help victims of this weekend’s storm," Greenleaf said.

Most of the affected areas of Bucks and Montgomery counties are included in Greenleaf’s legislative district. The senator then set out to tour the area and meet with victims who are staying at the shelters set up for them. During his visit, Greenleaf spoke with Emergency Management personnel from the counties, state and federal agencies who were on the scene evaluating the damage. The Governor ordered a formal damage assessment by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency on Saturday night.

Greenleaf visited the site of the gas explosion and fire at Village Green Apartments, where most residents were rescued and evacuated after flooded streets delayed fire fighters, but at least four were dead and two still unaccounted for on Monday morning. He said that rescue personnel were still looking for the missing residents.

The senator also spoke with homeowners as he observed the damage on Bonnet Lane and Surrey Lane in Upper Moreland Township. "Walls have collapsed and the damage is devastating," he said of the homes in that neighborhood.

He also joined emergency management personnel at Jarrett Dodge in Hatboro. "I’m shocked by the extent of damage done to businesses like this. Cars on the lot are not only water-logged, but some have collided due to the force of the water and have been totally destroyed. There must be millions of dollars lost," he said.

Greenleaf said that residents are urged to contact their local municipal offices and county emergency management agencies to report damage to their homes and businesses. Many have called his district office in Willow Grove looking for information about where to go for help.

"We were notified today that Bucks-Mont Center for Human Services in Warminster has personal items, such as food, clothing and toiletries available for evacuated families," Greenleaf said. "Everyone in our community is pulling together to come to the aid of the victims of this crisis."