Johnston residents trapped in homes as Pocasset River floods again

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ICARO Media Group
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10/01/2024 19h53

Residents of Belfield Drive in Johnston, Rhode Island are facing yet another nightmare as their homes remain trapped due to flooding from the Pocasset River. This comes just three weeks after NBC 10 News reported on the previous flooding in the area, which had subsided but has now returned.

The situation on Belfield Drive has forced homeowners to resort to alternative means of transportation, using four-wheelers, kayaks, and rescue vehicles to navigate through the floodwaters. The dead-end street, known for its susceptibility to flooding during heavy rain, is living up to its frustrating reputation once again.

According to one resident, the water level reached nearly 3 feet at its deepest point, exacerbating the challenges faced by those living in the area. NBC 10 News spoke to Jeremy Hecker, who expressed his frustration and called on local leaders to take action.

In response to the flooding, Mayor Joe Polisena Jr. revealed that his request to open a path to Interstate 295 during the last flood was denied. The mayor also stated that the town had dispatched assistance to the Park Street apartment complex, where residents were being rescued with boats. Additionally, military Humvees were used to transport staff to Briarcliffe Manor, an assisted living facility on Old Pocasset Road.

Not limited to Johnston alone, West Warwick first responders were also involved in the evacuation of residents on Wednesday morning. The widespread impact of the flooding highlights the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to mitigate the effects of such natural disasters.

As residents in Johnston grapple with another round of flooding, there is a growing call for local leaders to prioritize measures that will protect the community from recurring situations of this nature.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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