Fifteen years ago, the Twin Lakes Area experienced the start of what has been called the worst disaster the area has seen. The ice storm of 2009 began late on Jan. 26th, but Jan. 27th was when the heavy freezing rain started.
Mel Coleman, CEO of North Arkansas Electric Cooperative spoke with KTLO, Classic Hits and The Boot News states he remembers the storm as if it was yesterday.
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Coleman states at one point, 99 percent of members were without power for 19 days. He also recalled the eerie sounds when branches fell.
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Coleman says the ice storm of 2009 cost the co-op $42 million.
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The clean up from the debris left from trees falling from the weight of the ice took most of the year. Cities and counties designated areas where storm debris could be taken. Many residents piled the debris in their yard waiting for contract crews from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to pick it up.
Shelters were established throughout the area and kept open for weeks. Some schools were out for weeks. Many residents who rely on wells for their water were without due to power outages. Schools opened their doors to their gymnasiums and locker rooms so residents could come in and shower, while the National Guard delivered water to some areas for residents for drinking.
While the response was vast, the cleanup lengthy and the price tag steep, community leaders, officials and emergency personnel were to be commended in their response to the worst disaster to ever hit the area. It also marked a time when volunteers and residents wrapped their arms around those in need.
A number of businesses and organizations also showed gratitude to fire, police and emergency medical personnel along with electric, gas, telephone and cable T.V. repairmen with dinners and other acts of kindness.
To hear this interview in its entirety, visit this story at ktlo.com.
FULL INTERVIEW
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