Top Swampscott Patch Story in 2011

The flooding that came in a flash and as a surprise to many early Oct. 4, was Swampscott Patch's biggest story of the year — by far.

It occupies the site's top two spots for 2011.

In addition, flood followups sit among the site's top articles.

The flooding, like the rain that triggered it, came with suddenness and power.

Water filled basements like tubs.

As water ebbed, anger rose. Homeowners questioned why parts of the town's drainage system were so thoroughly overwhelmed.

Town Administrator Andrew Maylor said later that it was due to an act of nature in the extreme — many inches of rain in a short time period — that coincided with a very high tide.

Anger flowed among those who discovered that their insurance did not cover the disaster damage.

And relief from the federal government was minimal because the disaster area was isolated to several North Shore towns and cities. Federal assistance came through longterm low-interest loans — to those who qualified. 

Help, on the other hand, came from neighbors and friends, and strangers and town employees.

Early in the morning Oct. 4, scanner reports crackled with accounts of officers pulling people from cars that were filling with water.

Dispatchers deluged with reports, some of which must have bordered on frantic, coordinated the response.

inspected basements and warned people to stay away from electric panels.

crews barricaded roads and hacked off dangling tree limbs and hauled brush, branches and limbs from streets.

The property loss was huge. But no one perished. 

 

GALLERY:

Flood photos from Swampscott

 

12:20 PM UPDATE: Electrical Panels and Boilers [PHOTOS and VIDEO]

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency representatives are expected to survey damage in town this afternoon.

 

VIDEO: Flooding

Paradise Road flooding.

 

UPDATED: ; Other Schools — Open at 10 AM

 

Town Looks: from the Flood of October 4