DETROIT (WXYZ) — The city of Detroit requested volunteers to assist residents affected by flooding in the Jefferson-Chalmers area Thursday, and was met by more than 320 volunteers seeking to help.
The volunteers were initially asked to help through the weekend of May 5, but that request was expeditiously fulfilled as helpers were able to fill 18,000 sandbags and build 15 sandbag barriers to prevent further flooding.
Because of higher than normal water levels, massive flooding hit neighborhoods near the Detroit River as well as other areas across metro Detroit, prompting the request for volunteers.
According to a release, the city's storm sewers were able to handle the large volume of water, however, some homes started to flood as water traveled from the canals across the private property toward the streets and sewers.
Mayor Mike Duggan put out the request for volunteers Thursday afternoon, asking people to sign up to help fill thousands of sand bags and place them along key sections of the seawall.
“We know that the river usually crests in early June and we already are seeing levels much higher than what is normal for that time,” Duggan said. “We expect the levels to continue to rise over the next several weeks and we are asking for volunteers to join with city employees and myself to come to the aid of these residents.”
According to a release, residents in the Jefferson-Chalmers area may still report to the city whether additional sandbags or assistance is needed. To report assistance due to flooding, click here.
