Evacuations by boat in flooded Leavittsburg neighborhood


July 11, 2013 at 4:36p.m.

Evacuations by boat in flooded Leavittsburg neighborhood

LEAVITTSBURG

Firefighters are evacuating residents of the flooded riverfront neighborhood by boat here as the Mahoning River continues to rise.

Chief John Hickey of the Champion Township Fire Department said 12 additional fire departments are en route to Leavittsburg with boats to assist in the evacuations.

Speaking from an emergency command post at the Warren Township Fire Station near the river, Hickey said his department was called in to provide mutual aid. Electric power has been shut off to the area, he added.

With flood stage being at 12 feet, the river is now at 16 feet and expected to rise another 18 inches before it crests this evening or early tomorrow morning.