Report from the Frontline of the floods at Paterson, NJ.

[no_hypocrisy]

I walked not even a mile downhill from where I live. Down Belmont Avenue to the Bridge. At the base of the hill, the water starts. It goes across the road, well into the side streets. It stretches to the Bridge. I guess it's 3+ feet deep. The Paterson Police are there with the yellow "Caution" tape and motor boat for rescues.

I walked around the dryer parts of First Ward. The library got hit, water up beyond the step. Some homeowners are pumping water out into the streets. There's a quiet and calm. People are sitting on their porches, talking or just staring. Some nod and say hello and others just don't lift their eyes. They don't seem sad as much as resolved and accepting of the situation. Some corner grocery stores are open. Storefront churches too.

I ran into a guy name T.P. who was walking another mile to the Little Falls Bridge, apparently the only one that's not underwater. The bridge I usually take into Straight Street is totally submerged. The water is usually waaaay below it, more than 12 feet. Not today.

Until the water recedes, I don't think more than rescues can be accomplished. I'm going to see if I can get on a list via the Paterson City Hall to help with anything. Waiting for FEMA is not an option.

[Gormy Cuss]

1. I can visualize the areas you just described. That is a massive amount of water for the Passaic.

New Jersey is a mess. My relatives there all had power outages and flooding in their basements -- and these were in areas where the houses were above the 100 year flood line.

[mimitabby]

2. wow, Paterson is flooded!!

that is hard to imagine!

[no_hypocrisy]

4. The others don't come close to this one.

It reminds me of NOLA.

[Lucinda]

3. KNR - I hope the water recedes soon.

:(

[kestrel91316]

5. Contrary to popular belief and what the Repigs and Teabaggers would have you believe,

in crises like this people don't generally sit around waiting for FEMA to show up and do anything. They pick themselves up and start the cleanup all on their own.

Furthermore, once FEMA DOES show up, they aren't going to do cleanup. They are going to pass out checks.

Go busy yourself picking up debris and helping whoever you can. There is lots of physical work to be done by the COMMUNITY.