Old Shawneetown Flooding

Flood waters have already affected several small towns in southern Illinois. In fact, state emergency management officials have already started surveying the damage in 19 southern Illinois counties. But a couple of inches of additional rain in some of these areas could make the situation even worse. As weve seen all week, floods are affecting the entire tri-state. Residents and volunteers are working around the clock, filling bags with sand in an effort to stop the water from filling buildings and homes, but in Gallatin countys Old Shawneetown that effort is now in vain. Flooding is nothing new to Old Shawneetown resident Dustin Owens but a little more rain could make this already bad situation worse. The Ohio river which runs along Old Shawneetown is cresting, city officials keeping a close eye on it, and sandbagging any seepage holes in the levee, but the biggest problem here now, is the rain. Several other cities along the Ohio are suffering the same fate, which is keeping red cross volunteers busy handing out supplies and finding shelter for affected residents. Power has already been shut off in at least five homes, and area roadways closed off. Residents here in Old Shawneetown moving out as quickly as possible, but for many, the only way to do that is with a boat. Although this is Owens 3rd flood, he doesnt want to leave, but this time may have to. Less than a year ago, folks in these areas were praying for rain, now they hope its the last thing that happens. Anyone in Gallatin county who has suffered economic or physical damage from the floods should call the supervisor of assessments for assistance.