Flash flooding leaves damage and cleanup challenges across Camden
CAMDEN, N.J. (WPVI) -- Cleanup efforts continued Tuesday after flash flooding inundated parts of Camden, leaving damaged homes, flooded basements and ruined vehicles after heavy rain swept through the city.
At JYM Supermarket on Haddon Avenue, owner Daniel Duran was pumping water out of the building's basement after floodwaters rose rapidly Monday.
Construction crews have been upgrading storm drainage systems in the area for several months, but the work has not yet been completed.
Duran said the situation escalated quickly.
"So initially we thought it was funny," Duran said. "My first video was a joke because 20-30 minutes later the entire street was covered. It looked like a river. So we started getting a little concerned."
The supermarket, located at the corner of Haddon Avenue, Park Boulevard and Chestnut Street, remained open Tuesday as Duran encouraged customers to continue supporting the business.
"All the equipment in the basement is messed up," Duran said. "The whole Haddon Avenue has been a problem, which is what they're trying to fix now with the construction, but it's never been this bad. We've never had water come inside our building."
RELATED: Camden County assesses damage after flash flooding closes roads, submerges vehicles
Camden officials said nearly four inches of rain fell in about an hour Monday, triggering flash flooding across the city.
The flooding left some vehicles totaled and flooded basements in several neighborhoods.
Among those affected was Camden resident Daniel Mason, whose basement took on several feet of water.
"We got three foot of water in the basement. The hot water heater went out and the furnace went out because the deep freezer was floating and it ran into it," Mason said.
Mason said he is seeking help as he deals with the damage.
"I called PSEG and they told me i have to finance a new hot water heater. I got Crohn's disease, my wife got cancer. I don't know how we're going to manage this. We're on a fixed income," Mason said.
City leaders are urging residents affected by the flooding to contact the Emergency Operations Center for information about available assistance.
