March 1, 1997..And So the Water Rises?

March 1, 1997 was the date widely known as the beginning of the 1997 flood that devastated so many villages, homes and people along the Ohio River near New Richmond and Cincinnati. Questions amongst the residents still linger on why this flood occurred. Was the raging river water being held near at the dam upriver from Cincinnati let out to quickly? Why did the River rise so quickly overnight? Despite the passage of years, these questions remained unanswered.

Here are a few photographs of the devastation. The volume of water is simply amazing.

 

The following link to the Cincinnati Enquirer provides an excellent day-by-day timeline on the rising waters. http://enquirer.com/flood_of_97/day1.html

 

In speaking through the years with those who lived the flood, the emotions still ring true. Indeed, buildings in New Richmond, like the Green Kayak Market and Front Street, had upwards of 5' of water rolling through them- hard to imagine.

 

March has been a rough month for the towns and residents along the Ohio River. More to come later...