County seeking flood reports

Putnam County residents who have any flood damage need to notify Emergency Manager Kim Hyten.

"Even if you only have $1,000 in carpet damage, let us know," said Hyten who is applying for federal aid for the county.

Right now, without flood waters completely receded, the full amount of damage cannot be finalized.

"We know we have at least $2.5 million in road damages but don't know the full extent until we can get inspectors into areas that are still flooded," Hyten told the BannerGraphic.

Hyten plans to send his report to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by Wednesday, June 18.

"Some of the counties around us have already been declared emergencies but we wanted to take a little more time to make sure we don't cut ourselves short," said Hyten.

The county has qualified in the past for help from FEMA, which has reimbursed the county for equipment and vehicles used to respond in a disaster. FEMA representatives were in Putnam County Wednesday looking for damage.

"We are trying to help as many families as possible but it can take a little time. Right now we know of 20 homes that sustained damage in the Roachdale area and 25 homes in Greencastle. We need to know who has damage before we can help them," added Hyten.

Private homeowners in the county with flood damage or incorporated areas with damage should contact Hyten at 765-653-5727 or 765-720-5885.