Damage toll from floods unknown

Thursday, June 5, 2008
Water completely engulfs this field near C.R. 300 North and C.R. 375 East north of Fillmore Wednesday, washing out a great many crops in the process.

A late rainy season and recent flooding have wreaked havoc on area farm fields.

Tuesday's storm not only caused a small tornado in south central Indiana, it also dumped torrential rains. The rain has made its way into fields all over Putnam County. Some fields continue to be inundated by the flash flooding of all waterways throughout the county.

County Executive Director for Farm Service Agency Roger Bailey said that this kind of flooding is happening later than normal. The farmers had 99-percent of corn and 85-percent of beans planted. However, some needed replanted before this rash of storms left fields flooded and washing out.

"This flooding is worse than normal by far," Bailey said.

At this time, the watershed is still rising. At some points like the fields on the east side of Houck Covered Bridge, the fields are washing out across the roadway. Already taxed fields from previous heavy rains in the month of May are now being torn apart by the torrent.

On Friday, the northeast portion of the county by Russellville had heavy rains as part of the storm system that produced a tornado. Then on Sunday afternoon, hail was produced that damaged the budding corn crops east-southeast of Cloverdale.

"We believe the corn was small enough it should come out of it," Bailey said.

Bailey was out assessing the fields Wednesday afternoon. More storms are expected Wednesday night and a chance of rain Thursday. According to the National Weather Service, Putnam County will remain in Flood Warning status until 6:15 a.m. Thursday.

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  • three pastures were under water & a dam on a pond ready to go. who do we contact for help in funding?

    -- Posted by ibeme on Sun, Jun 8, 2008, at 8:41 PM
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