All in all, we fared pretty well in our immediate area compared to our neighbors up north in Vermont and across the river in Greene, Sullivan & Schoharie Counties. Here’s some information on what to do if you suffered damage during the storm as well as ways you can help others who are still dealing with the event.
Hurricane Irene wreaked havoc across the east coast two weeks ago this weekend–
devastating homes, farmland, communities and businesses from North Carolina to Vermont. Here in the Catskills, we have witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of Sunday’s record-breaking flood. Flooded main streets from Sullivan to Schoharie Counties, thousands of homes without power, and water-logged fields, drowning out crops at what is traditionally the most productive point of the growing season. [For more information on the storm’s effects on NY farmland, check out this New York Times’ piece "After Irene, Upstate New York Farmers Suffer in Flood Plain" http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08
LUCKY DOG FARM, HAMDEN NY (click to watch video)
New York State got the brunt of the storm, and our region was hit
particularly hard – of the 191 people who were rescued in NYS, 129 of
them were from the Catskills. President Obama has declared NYS a federal disaster area, making emergency funding available to people in the counties of Albany, Delaware, Dutchess, Essex, Greene, Schenectady, Schoharie, and Ulster.
Applications can be made starting Thursday at http://www.DisasterAssistance.
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Here’s a message from Ancram Supervisor Art Bassin about what to do if you live in Columbia County and suffered damage from Irene:
A message from the Columbia County Emergency Management Office for residents who experienced property damage from Hurricane Irene:INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE FOR RESIDENTS OF COLUMBIA COUNTYColumbia County Emergency Management Office and FEMA is requesting that the public contact our office regarding damage from Hurricane Irene. If any homeowner/renter has experienced damage to their property and would like to file a claim for reimbursement please fax or email the following information to 518-828-2790 or email at ccemo@columbiacountysheriff.us: NameAddressType of DamageEstimated Damage AmountPicturesIf you have any questions or are unable to provide information by fax or email please contact us at 518-828-1212. This will allow Columbia County to help register you for assistance if it becomes available.
Help Out:
The ‘Catskills Irene Relief Resources’ website has a listing of emergency relief efforts – including referrals for donations and volunteer opportunities – organized by county http://irenerelief.forumotion.
NOFA-NY (Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York) is working to mobilize groups of volunteers to assist in area farm cleanup and relief efforts. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Lea Kone (email: Lea@nofany.org / phone: 585-271-1979 ext. 502.
