Flooding triggers evacuations in South Jersey communities

MILLVILLE, N.J. (WPVI) -- Heavy rain produced flooding that led to evacuations overnight in at least two South Jersey communities.

Residents on the 400 block of Rhonda Drive in Millville, Cumberland County were evacuated due to high water and the smell of natural gas on the block.

The water, up to 5 feet in some spots, receded after several hours, but left plenty of damage behind.

The basement walls of one home actually collapsed, injuring one person. The foundations of several other homes were compromised. People grabbed their pets and, in some cases, a few belongings and got out.

Rescue crews responded with boats and helped people evacuate.

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One of the major concerns was the gas lines that pulled away from the homes. The natural gas odor was being investigated by crews from South Jersey Gas along the block.

Residents told Action News they've never seen damage like that here before.

Evacuations were also ordered due to flooding in Buena, Atlantic County at the Cranberry Run retirement community.

No injuries were reported at the mobile home development on Powhaten Drive.

There was no immediate word when the evacuated residents in either community would be allowed back in their homes.

Unofficial National Weather Service observations show nearly 9 inches of rain fell at Millville Airport in Cumberland County between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. There was more than 7 inches in Stafford, more than 5 inches at Atlantic City airport and in Manasquan, and more than 4 inches in Tabernacle.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.