NJ Governor Mikie Sherrill visits first responders in Camden following flash flooding
CAMDEN, N.J. (WPVI) -- Gov. Mikie Sherrill visited Camden on Tuesday to assess damage from historic flooding and meet with local officials about recovery efforts and future preparations after heavy rainfall inundated parts of the city.
"The damages are really extensive across Camden," Sherrill said.
According to officials, the city received more than four inches of rain on Monday, overwhelming storm drains and the sewer system.
The flooding affected multiple areas of Camden, including locations that Mayor Vic Carstarphen said had not previously experienced flooding.
"We've had areas that have never been flooded, ever in history. [Superstorm] Sandy wasn't this bad," Carstarphen said.
The flooding also affected city facilities. The fire administration building, where Sherrill met with officials, sustained flooding, and a fire truck was damaged by rising water.
"The city got nailed," said Camden Fire Chief Jesse Flax.
RELATED: Camden County assesses damage after flash flooding closes roads, submerges vehicles
Emergency crews conducted 83 water rescues during the flooding event.
Officials said the effort was aided by a high-water rescue vehicle that had been received just seven days earlier.
"We had people trapped inside vehicles, also people had flooding inside of basements, we had some incidents of fire," Flax said.
Cleanup efforts continued Tuesday along hard-hit Haddon Avenue as residents worked to recover.
The Red Cross was seen speaking with affected residents as they sought assistance and assessed their next steps.
"It flooded my whole house, my basement, tore my hot water tank up and everything," Camden resident Michael Pitts said.
Construction on storm drains in the area was already underway before the flooding occurred.
Sherrill said the state must continue preparing for future weather-related disasters.
"We are seeing these extreme weather events more and more frequently," Sherrill said.
Officials are asking anyone who sustained damage during the flooding to report it to the Office of Emergency Management as assessments continue.
