The Whitewater River, known for its gentle flow, turned into a force of nature one week earlier, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Among the affected residents is Roger Fritts a 75-year-old Harrison, Ohio, resident who now faces the daunting task of rebuilding his life after the floodwaters receded.
Fritts, who relies on a walker for mobility, recounted the harrowing experience of being evacuated from his home by local police officers. “The police came down Lawrenceburg Road, lots of them,” he said, recalling the urgency of the situation as Hamilton County Emergency Management called for evacuations due to the rapidly rising river.
The aftermath: a scene of devastation
When Fritts returned to his home, he was met with a scene of utter devastation. “It looked like a hurricane had come through there,” he described, with garbage cans tossed far from their original spots and belongings scattered haphazardly. The inside of his home was caked with mud, and signs of mold had already begun to appear on some surfaces.
Fritts’ daughter, Rhonda Sutton showed the extent of the damage, sharing photos of the immediate aftermath. “First time it’s gotten this bad,” she remarked, surveying the wreckage. “It’s all gone.” Among the lost items were cherished family heirlooms, including a waterlogged Bible that had belonged to Fritts’ late wife, who passed away five years ago from heart failure.
A community comes together
The family is now seeking help to get Fritts into temporary housing, as his age and health issues, combined with Sutton’s disability, make it difficult for them to rehabilitate the home on their own. They have set up a GoFundMe account to raise funds for a hotel stay until more permanent arrangements can be made.
The Red Cross has pledged to continue operations in the region, ensuring that everyone affected by the flood is housed. For Fritts, the outpouring of support would mean everything. “That would mean everything,” he said, expressing gratitude for the assistance.
Looking ahead: a long road to recovery
As the community comes together to support those affected by the flood, the road to recovery for Fritts and his family is a long one. With the help of organizations like the Red Cross and the generosity of others, they hope to rebuild and move forward from this devastating event.
The flood serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of community support in times of crisis. As the residents of Harrison work to rebuild their lives, they are met with an outpouring of kindness and assistance from those around them.
