Lake Providence Families Forces out of Homes by Floodwater

The entire region is hit by heavy rain and thunderstorms the past two days leaving homes in Lake Providence flooded with water and families flooded with worries. Trees fell through roofs, cars were submerged in water and families were forced out of their homes. Thats whats left in Lake Providence after rain pounds the Ark-La-Miss. Families there thought the worst was over, and then flood water started entering their homes Thursday morning. Some are thankful for the help theyve received while others are left wondering what happens next. One family wades through knee-high water at their apartment complex. They woke up to find water crossing the threshold of their homes. Mildred Atkins brand new car is filled with water. “There go the water right there at the top. Do you see my car? If that ain’t a disgrace." The water has began receding since the flash flooding began Thursday morning. A crew was at Overa Newton’s home for about three hours shoveling water out of the living room and sandbagging to make sure the water doesnt get back in. Newton says, “By the time I made it to work, I got a call about 20 minutes later that everything was flooded." She says shes thankful for the speedy response from local officials. “They helped me out a lot and they led me in the right direction of getting help so I’m very proud of that." Vanessa Thompson says her six children missed school because they couldnt make it from the front porch to the bus stop, “because its flooding out here.” She adds, “This here is just a little taste of it. All this out here was flooded and you couldnt even walk back there." Now they all look on as repairs are made to their roof. A tree fell through letting water into the house, so the hope is now that the rain wont come again. The Lake Providence Housing Authority Director, moved most of the apartment tenants to the local Economy Inn. The American Red Cross is on the scene assisting other families with finding shelter. Any families still in need of assistance are asked to call Red Cross at (318)323-5141. (Copyright 2008, NBC 10/Fox 14 News, Written by Casey Ferrand)