Tropical Storm Debby wreaked havoc in Fayetteville, North Carolina, leaving behind a trail of destruction and devastation. For Camille Bartle, a resident of Fayetteville, the aftermath of the storm was particularly unsettling. As Locks Creek overflowed and flooded her neighborhood, Bartle discovered an unexpected and unwelcome surprise in her home – worms and tiny fish.
„I’m still cleaning out worms,“ Bartle shared, highlighting the extent of the water damage and the intrusion of these creatures into her living space. The flooding not only damaged her furniture but also transformed her backyard into a scene reminiscent of a river. The impact of the storm was evident, and Bartle was left grappling with the aftermath.
One of the key issues Bartle faced was the neglect of a stormwater drain near her home by the City of Fayetteville. She believed that if the drain had been maintained, it could have helped alleviate some of the flooding. However, the city clarified that the drain was on Bartle’s property, shifting the responsibility onto her. Loren Bymer, a spokesperson for the City of Fayetteville, emphasized that they make efforts to clean storm drains within the city’s thoroughfares and right-of-ways, but the challenge in Bartle’s neighborhood was more complex.
The subdivision where Bartle resides is situated in a lowland area next to multiple creeks that flow into the Cape Fear River. This geographical positioning leaves the community vulnerable to flooding during heavy rainstorms, as the water has limited avenues for discharge. Despite the historical flooding in the area, FEMA has never designated it as a floodplain, allowing developers to continue building homes. In response to the recurring flooding, the City of Fayetteville mandated contractors to construct homes at higher elevations after Hurricane Matthew. However, Bartle’s home, built before this requirement, remains susceptible to flooding.
The implications of the flooding extend beyond property damage for Bartle. As someone who frequently travels for work, she expressed concerns about leaving her daughter at home with her mother, who does not drive. The fear of being trapped in a flooded house looms large, prompting Bartle to contemplate relocation. However, the financial constraints pose a significant obstacle, as the repeated flooding has deterred potential buyers from investing in her home.
The City of Fayetteville acknowledged the challenges faced by Bartle and her community, estimating that constructing a water levy to protect homes in the area would cost at least $60 million. The magnitude of the investment required underscores the severity of the situation and the long-term planning needed to address the recurring flooding issues.
In conclusion, Camille Bartle’s experience serves as a poignant reminder of the far-reaching consequences of natural disasters like Tropical Storm Debby. The intersection of environmental factors, urban planning decisions, and personal hardships underscores the complexity of addressing flood-related challenges in vulnerable communities. As Bartle navigates the aftermath of the storm and contemplates her future, her story sheds light on the resilience and perseverance required in the face of adversity.
