More evacuations in Gilberton as floodwaters rise; PPL disconnecting power to homes
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - Members of the Mahanoy City and Schuylkill Haven dive teams make their way down a flooded Main Street in Gilberton on June 12, 2020.
GILBERTON – Dive teams from Mahanoy City and Schuylkill Haven are operating in Gilberton this afternoon, continuing evacuations and assisting PPL in disconnecting power to impacted homes.
The floodwaters continued to rise overnight, reaching an estimated 10 feet depth at its deepest points.
Twelve people were evacuated last night from the south side of Main Street, and, today, firefighters helped evacuate more from the north side.
Additionally, the dive teams rescued pets and retrieved belongings from the south side.
In the 200 block of Main, some residents reached their home via kayak.
Firefighters are continuing to pump water from the main section of town today, and evacuated residents are being helped by the American Red Cross. The Schuylkill County Emergency Management Agency put out a call to all fire companies asking for any available manpower to assist in the effort.
Continue to follow the Sentinel for further updates on this developing story.
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