(Editor’s Note: This continues our series of reporting on the flash flooding from Hurricane Debby. Our next story is interviews with more residents on what they witnessed and how you can help them)
Story, photos and video by JOHN ANDERSON
As residents of South Canisteo were picking up the pieces of their damaged homes and cleaning mud and debris from living rooms, elected officials from all levels of government, from the village to the governor, came to the region to see what happened and offer help.
Sen. Tom O’Mara has been vocal about his issues with decisions by Gov. Kathy Hochul, but on Sunday, he praised the work being done to help residents of Allegany and Steuben counties above and beyond insurance claims. For many residents, companies would not even give them insurance.
Short video of the visit and damage, story continues after video:
“Let’s start with what has happened during this fairly short time. Heavy rains of four to six inches impacted counties in Steuben and Allegany,” Hochul said. “We had flash flood emergencies issued in Steuben and Allegany counties … We had flash floods in all this area. We had our swift water teams from the state. They had to come and help the local crews and emergency teams. In advance of the storm, we activated over 100 members of the National Guard just to be on hand to help.”
After meeting with residents, Hochul said it was “miraculous that there are no major injuries or fatalities.”
And now that it’s over, Hochul said it’s time to help residents financially and with the department of transportation. This was a concern many who were affected by the storm voiced to the Wellsville Sun and Hornell Sun the past two days.
“Our state teams will be on the ground answering questions, helping people fill out forms so they can get their insurance money sooner. It’s really important for homeowners and businesses to keep track of all their expenses and what they lost,” Hochul said. “Make an inventory of your belongings. And if you can’t resolve a dispute with the insurance company, then we want you to file a complaint with our department.
“But I also said we have to give people more help just to get back on their feet while they’re waiting for that insurance, while we’re trying to get our lives back in order. I’ve declared the Housing and Community Renewal agency will launch an emergency repair program for homeowners in Allegany, Delaware, Franklin, Steuben and St. Lawrence counties that were impacted by the storm,” she continued. “All these homeowners who have been impacted will be eligible for grants of up to $50,000 to help pay for reimbursement of expenses related to the storm that aren’t covered by insurance or it is other disaster relief. This is a newer program. This program did not exist three years ago when Fred hit this area. It exists now. I said, ‘We have to be there as a stop gap measure to help these communities and these individuals get back on their feet.’ “
She then thanked Sen. O’Mara and Steuben County Legislative Chair Kelly Fitzpatrick for their help.
“We have a senator, Tom O’Mara. He fights hard for this community in Albany, I can tell you this. He’s not going anywhere. And to all the elected officials standing behind me (many from Canisteo and Steuben County) we had a meeting a short time ago, they love their community so much,” Hochul said. “They feel heartbroken that the people they care so much about – their own neighbors, their communities, their little businesses – have suffered such an extraordinary, great deal. And I thank them for caring so much.
“We have our Steuben County Legislative Chair Kelly Fitzpatrick. We spoke on Friday. She put on her best strong voice. You’re going to hear from her in a couple minutes what has happened in her community. We have Steuben County Administrator Jack Wheeler here. Jack, thank you for everything you’ve done. We have mayors and supervisors from Canisteo, Addison, Woodhull, Jasper – all over. They’re here today because they stand united in rebuilding and sharing ideas and sharing resources. They will help us get this done,” Hochul added.
O’Mara said, “Thank you Governor for being here and being here so quickly. This is a devastating event hee with Debby rolling through, similar to Fred rolling through a few years ago. The resilience of these communities has been amazing. the outpouring of support from neighbors — from strangers quite frankly — from the Amish community, helping across the region to help people get back on their feet.
“It’s a strong community. You being here means so much to everyone, me included, but particularly those impacted by this devastation,” O’Mara continued. “It’s a relief you are here to provide for these individuals and small businesses moving forward to get back on their feet to be able to sustain their lives here, where we know, is one of the most beautiful places on earth to live, to raise a family, work and farm. It’s a great community and we’re all in it together.”
Hochul visited farms as well as the press conference which was held in front of the Weakland and Bowie homes that suffered critical damage.
To help the Weakland family GoFundMe, click HERE
To help the Bowie Family GoFundMe, click HERE
Story on how to help, click HERE and to donate in Wellsville to area victims click HERE
To help Kathie Boccia GoFundMe, click HERE
“The farm down the road owned by Mr. Cliff Moss lost 400 acres of corn, 200 acres of soybeans, hundreds of acres of hay and equipment,” Hochul said. “We just walked there as well. There’s a lot of pain in this community. I saw it in their eyes. I held their hands and sometimes people feel like government is not going to listen. I said, ‘We’re here, we’re not going anywhere.’ I made that commitment to him. He’s worried they’re not going to have enough crops to feed the animals through the winter.”
Hochul again talked about ways residents can get help, and said it’s time the White House gets involved.
“We also have our disaster recovery staff on the ground. We’re going to squeeze every single federal dollar out of the government we can. I’ve already alerted the White House to expect our calls, but we have to assess the damage first. It takes some time, but our assessment teams are on the ground,” Hochul said. “Our Department of Financial Services activated their disaster hotline 1-(800)-339-1759. We are going to send mobile vans here to help people apply for their insurance because no one ever saw this coming. They didn’t expect to be in this position, but we know how to deal with this.”
Another link for help from the state and federal government, click HERE
Story continues after photo gallery of the visit and damage two days after the storm:
Hochul said being the first governor from Upstate New York means she knows the area and said “this is where I came from” when talking about the region.
“It’s got charming small towns and little hamlets that I’ve been through so many times. It’s what makes New York special, places like this. Places like Addison, Woodhull and where we are today, in Canisteo,” Hochul said. “The remnants of Hurricane Debby that we saw coming up and – put in place plans and brought our teams together early on to try to figure out the trajectory of this storm. Bringing people, our teams from the state, together early. We just wanted to try and see if we could prevent what has happened here.
“This storm washed away people’s lives and their dreams. Businesses, farms up the road, homes, schools destroyed in matters of seconds. It makes me heart sick to know what the people have gone through. It’s more than really what one would expect anyone to have to bear. Young families starting out, building the home of their dreams over five years, three beautiful daughters, escaping barely with their lives,” Hochul continued. “I think it’s miraculous that there are no major injuries or fatalities. That is astounding to me. And as the Governor, I’m committing to help this community come back. Because in a moment of crisis, we stand as one New York. Do not think that this remote part of our state – in some eyes – does not have as much value as every single place. From our biggest cities to the furthest reaches of this state, every community matters. It has value.”
Hochul then added, “So, I’ve already heard from some of our neighbors here that people think they’ll be forgotten, that elected officials don’t come from this part of the state. Well, I’m the first Upstate Governor in over 100 years. I know these communities. This is where I come from. You will not be forgotten.”
Hochul’s full speech:
Hochul visiting with residents of Canisteo:
