Flooding in Calumet City (Photo courtesy of Paul Goddard via the National Weather Service).
On Wednesday, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle issued a disaster proclamation in response to the destructive storms that struck the region on September 17.
In under 12 hours, certain areas of Cook County were deluged with over six inches of rainfall, resulting in extensive flooding and significant storm-related damage. Notably, the municipalities of Burnham, Calumet City, Dolton, Harvey, and South Holland bore the brunt of these calamities.
By signing this proclamation, Cook County is now empowered to harness all accessible resources to aid communities and residents in their ongoing efforts to recover from the aftermath of these devastating storms.
“My team has seen firsthand the significant damage residents in the southland sustained during the September 17 storms,” said President Preckwinkle. “My administration continues to coordinate recovery efforts with impacted municipalities and will ensure we pursue all possible opportunities for additional assistance. This proclamation is another step to assist residents in the recovery from the storm’s impacts.”
The Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security has been overseeing community needs throughout the storm and aiding in recovery efforts. EMRS is still coordinating recovery operations, offering technical assistance and support in facilitating damage assessments at the municipal level.
In total, Cook County municipalities have received over 1,200 damage reports affecting homes and businesses as a result of the storms. When coupled with data gathered by the City of Chicago for their jurisdiction, these reports underscore the substantial impact of the storm and flash flooding on the entire region.
About Post Author
