Flooding has closed roads and prompted water rescues across Vinton County in southeastern Ohio, where the National Weather Service estimated that 2.5 to 3.5 inches of rain fell Sunday night into Monday morning, the Athens Messenger reported.
The Vinton County sheriff declared a Level 3 emergency overnight, closing roads to non-emergency traffic, before downgrading it to Level 2 around 6 a.m. Monday, NBC4 reported. The county courthouse closed Monday because judges and employees were trapped at home by high water. Gov. Mike DeWine toured damage on Tuesday and said the full extent of road damage could not yet be seen while water still covered pavement.
The danger now is shifting from rising water to what it leaves behind. Floodwater can carry sewage and chemicals, contaminate private wells, and hide road damage, and many of the injuries and illnesses tied to floods happen during cleanup rather than during the storm itself.
Closures, Rescues, and a Relief Center
On Monday, the Ohio Department of Transportation reported closures on U.S. 50 in the Bolins Mills area and in parts of McArthur, with State Routes 681 and 356 closed in neighboring Athens County. Fire departments from Hamden, McArthur, Zaleski, and Wellston, along with Vinton County EMS, assisted in rescue operations, according to the sheriff's office.
McArthur Fire Chief Evan Knox estimated that 30 to 50 people were rescued and called it the worst flooding he had seen in the county in his lifetime, CW Columbus reported. Some residents lost homes, cars, and belongings, and others remained stuck because driveways and roads were washed out.
The American Red Cross of Central and Southern Ohio opened an emergency relief center at South Elementary in Vinton County and had helped 28 people as of early this week. No deaths from this flooding had been reported in the coverage reviewed by MedicalDaily as of Wednesday morning.
Rural geography raises the stakes. In Vinton County, many roads pass through low-lying areas, and a single closed highway can cut off households from grocery stores, pharmacies, and clinics for a day or more. DeWine said many roads could face long-term damage, CW Columbus reported.
Health Risks After the Water Recedes
Floodwater is not clean water. It can contain sewage from overwhelmed septic systems, farm runoff, fuel, and other chemicals. Private wells flooded by high water need to be tested and disinfected before the water is used for drinking.
People at greatest risk include households on private wells, older adults and people with chronic illnesses who may be cut off from medications, residents with open wounds, and anyone cleaning out flooded basements or outbuildings. Children should not play in floodwater or with toys it has touched.
Cuts and puncture wounds during cleanup can become infected. Anyone who is injured while handling flood debris should ask a clinician whether a tetanus booster is needed. Wounds that become red, swollen, warm, or start draining need prompt medical attention.
Illness can follow contaminated water or food. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps after exposure should be reported to a clinician, particularly for young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Signs of dehydration, confusion, or high fever require urgent care.
Carbon monoxide is a separate hidden risk. Generators, pressure washers, and fuel-powered pumps should never be run inside homes, garages, or basements, even with doors open. Headache, dizziness, nausea, or confusion while using such equipment indoors can signal poisoning and call for fresh air and emergency help.
Safe Steps for Returning Home and Cleaning Up
Residents should wait until local officials say roads and homes are safe before returning. Never drive or walk through moving water, and avoid roads with barricades, since pavement can be washed out beneath the surface. "If you see water, turn around; don't drown for sure," a Vinton County emergency official told NBC4.
When cleaning, wear rubber boots and gloves, throw out any food that touched floodwater, and dry out homes quickly to limit mold. The National Weather Service's flood safety page offers additional guidance before and after floods.
People on private wells should use bottled water for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, and preparing baby formula until the well is tested, and county health departments can advise on testing. Refrigerated or frozen food that has sat at room temperature for two hours or more during a power outage should be thrown out. Emptying buckets, tires, and other containers that collect standing water can also cut down on mosquitoes.
Anyone who relies on daily medications and cannot reach a pharmacy should contact their pharmacist or clinician about emergency refills.
Flooding also takes an emotional toll. The federal Disaster Distress Helpline, reachable by call or text at 1-800-985-5990, offers free support to people struggling after a disaster.
More rain could prolong closures, so households should keep checking county emergency management updates and the latest Weather Service warnings.
The flooding has closed roads and prompted rescues, but the next few days bring the quieter risks of contaminated water, injuries, and generator fumes. Staying off flooded roads, testing wells, and cleaning up carefully are the most important steps residents can take now.
Key Questions Answered
Where is the flooding? Vinton County in southeastern Ohio, including McArthur and Hamden, with some closures in neighboring Athens County.
How much rain fell? The National Weather Service estimated 2.5 to 3.5 inches in Vinton County Sunday night into Monday morning.
Which roads were closed? Closures included U.S. 50 near Bolins Mills and in parts of McArthur, plus State Routes 681 and 356 in Athens County. Conditions may have changed since.
Is help available? The American Red Cross opened an emergency relief center at South Elementary in Vinton County.
Is my well water safe? Flooded private wells should be tested and disinfected before use. Use bottled water until then.
What health risks follow floods? Contaminated water, infected wounds, stomach illness, mold, and carbon monoxide from generators used indoors.
When should someone seek medical care? For infected wounds, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, dehydration, or symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning such as headache, dizziness, and confusion.
Published by Medicaldaily.com
