FAIRMOUNT TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Tense moments in parts of Luzerne County as heavy rain triggers flash flooding. A summer camp was evacuated after floodwaters surged through the area.
Luzerne County EMA helped coordinate the response to the flash flooding in the county overnight and early Monday morning.
One of the hardest hit areas was Patterson Grove in Fairmount Township, a summer camp. These waters are from Lake Jean and Kitchen Creek. Normally, no water flows through Patterson Grove.
There are about 30 cottages at Patterson Grove. Many of the campers were trapped inside their cottages until they were helped to dry ground.
Glen Mawr evacuated as flash flooding hits central PA
There were several people over the age of 80, as well as 13 children, all under the age of 13.
Most people were actually in their cottages, some early risers got up and looked out, saw the water, and went knocking on doors. So I waded in knee-high water--the bottom of my dress is all muddy to wake up a cottage camper who was still sound asleep in her cottage," stated Heidi Schuerger, Camp Fellowship Chair.
The good news is that all campers around 30 are accounted for. Many have since taken transportation to go home or are staying with friends in the area.
Schuerger was able to capture the flooding as the water was rushing through the campsite and cottages.
