The Roanoke Rapids Public Works Department has collected 2,800 cubic yards of debris from Friday’s storm and the number is climbing, Director Larry Chalker said this morning.

During Tuesday’s city council meeting the panel approved a $250,000 budget amendment for storm response and recovery.

He told the council, “We don’t currently have specific budgeted funds for an event of this size and I don’t know if we’re going to spend the entire $250,000, but we’re requesting to place $250,000 into an amendment to deal with this storm.”

He said, “We’ve collected a mountain of debris so this is going to cost us a little bit of money. Our hopes are that we are going to get some type of declaration by the state of North Carolina through the emergency management program that will reimburse us.”

City manager’s report

In her report to the council, City Manager Kelly Traynham said, “Most of us on the city staff and other individuals in the community haven’t really had a chance to take a break and reflect on what happened yet. We went straight into response mode and I want to take a minute to reflect on that and also the resilience and commitment that exists and was demonstrated by our city staff and team of professionals and partners throughout the community and the citizens themselves.”

People stood up and looked out for their neighbors and each other, she said. “It’s just a reminder that we are a community. I just want to extend to them a heartfelt expression of gratitude for those unparalleled efforts of our city employees, the first responders, various state and local agencies, Halifax County Emergency Management and volunteers.”

All of them, she said, showed unwavering dedication. “It not only mitigated potential impacts but showcased the strength and solidarity that defines the strength of community.”

City employees worked tirelessly throughout the event. “Many were here Friday evening until Saturday morning until about 2 a.m. and were back here just a few hours later to continue their efforts in the sunlight when there were better and safer conditions.”

The employees, she said, worked to ensure public safety, maintain order, and help to restore some normalcy. “Today riding around you may not have known something happened other than trees on the ground. Our city employees embody the spirit of public servants and they do so with every task they undertake.”

First responders showed courage that night. “It was very dangerous Friday night and especially Saturday too with power outages and internet outages.”

Public safety was the priority, Traynham said. “We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as restrictions had to be put into place and were done so to help keep people safe.”

Motorists were driving through intersections without stopping. “Children were out on scooters and bikes and there were electrical wires hanging. We were able to get through that event without any personal injuries.”

There have been houses that sustained damages, some more than others, Traynham said. “As the trees are being pulled away, we are still getting reports of some damages.”

Damage assessments are continuing. “The actions of all have really been critical in safeguarding the wellbeing of our citizens. I just want to say thank you to everyone and especially to the utility providers. They showed up on the scene and called in extra help.”

The state of emergency remains in effect to help in data collection. There are no restrictions under the state of emergency now.

Chalker’s report

Chalker said Friday evening and into Saturday, public works received about 33 reports of trees down, damaged power lines, and blocked streets. There were 16 alleys blocked.

Between Friday and Saturday public works crews put in 397 hours of personnel time. “That’s everybody’s hours added up together — working on what seemed to be an insurmountable task. It looked like Armageddon in some of these neighborhoods. It was really rough.”

Chalker said, “I’m really proud of our employees and all of our departments. We were out in the beginning of it and we saw firemen joining us. We saw policemen, the sheriff’s office, and the Roanoke Valley Rescue Squad. It felt really good to see them on the ground.”

As of Tuesday’s meeting there were only two alleys blocked. “All streets have been cleared for at least partial traffic.” 

The work represented a tremendous effort, Chalker said, and as he mentioned in the budget amendment, there’s piles of trees and limbs at the public works department. “As I commented today, coming down Hinson Street it’s taller and wider.”

The department received a permit from the state Department of Environmental Quality to grind the debris onsite.

The public works director said he was particularly grateful to Dominion and the crews they sent in. “We had trees down with power lines in them and power lines down with trees in them. You’ve got to work together to disassemble that without getting somebody electrocuted.”

The state Forest Service sent several crews at the request of the fire department through emergency management. “They were very, very helpful.”

Said Mayor Emery Doughtie: “It makes you feel good when that many people come to help you when you’re in a bind so we really appreciate all of them.”