The banks of nearby Black Creek overflowed, and flash floods swept in. City officials went door to door, evacuating residents, but nothing could stop the water. The Edwards' home had been completely flooded once before, in 1997. Though covered in mud, Edwards said her home of nine years has only sustained minor damage. The arduous task of cleaning, made worse by the Mississippi heat and humidity, was interrupted by lunch, their meals delivered to the front yard by the Red Cross.
Volunteers review a map of the flood area to determine food and supply delivery routes.
Disaster relief agencies such as the American Red Cross and the Homes County Associational Unit of Southern Baptist are serving meals to flood victims throughout the town, and the Red Cross opened a shelter at local Saints College dormitory. The devastating effects of the floods occurred during the night of April 4. Most residents awoke at 3 a.m. to find the water already in their homes. Flora Sly, a 38 year resident, was startled awake when the waters washed over her bed. Fire and police departments, volunteers and even the mayor knocked on doors and phoned residents to give the evacuation order.