I often say that being a news editor is never boring. The past week has been a vivid example of just what I mean.
When I stopped into the office Saturday afternoon, I (along with most of the East Coast) had no idea what was really going to happen when Hurricane Irene made her way north. So the note I left for the people who would be working Sunday was a bit vague. "Local hurricane story _ ??" it read.
On Sunday, I was glued to the computer (my power having not gone out _ yet). The reports were starting to come in. A woman missing (later confirmed dead) in Fleischmanns. Evacuations below the Gilboa Dam.
Massive power outages throughout the region. Roads washed out, towns cut off.
The rest of the week has been a blur. Updates flew into my in-box faster than I could post them on our website. At first it was still news of the disaster itself: the closure of exits on Interstate 88, the collapse of the CVS Pharmacy building in Margaretville, lists of the areas that were still without electric service.
Then, mixed in with the news updates, I started to get news of relief efforts under way locally to help flood victims. Some came from major aid agencies, such as the American Red Cross and the United Way.
Others came from individuals, local groups and area businesses reaching out to their friends and neighbors and setting up impromptu relief drives and collection points.
It always amazes and humbles me how quickly the tide turns, from disaster to recovery. We saw the same thing here after the Flood of 2006, and we see it even when disaster strikes halfway around the world. Even those who have little to share _ who may themselves have lost power, or lost property in the storm _ are quick to reach out to help their neighbors.
For many people in the local area, recovery from Hurricane Irene will be a long, slow and painful process. But we are blessed to live in generous communities, in which it seems there are always people willing to step in and help in difficult times.
The Daily Star will continue to compile information about local aid efforts. If you want to help, or if you need help, call 432-1000, ext. 217, email news@thedailystar.com or visit thedailystar.com/hurricaneirene for more information.
Emily F. Popek is the assistant editor of The Daily Star. She can be reached at 432-1000, ext. 217.
Hurricane Irene
Hurricane Irene caused damage but brought community together
- Hurricane Irene
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Red Cross closes last shelter but aid efforts continue
Aid efforts for flood victims continue throughout the region as individuals and organizations tend to the needs of the thousands affected by last weekend's storms and flooding.
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Disaster relief
The Daily Star is compiling information about aid available to flood victims, and relief efforts being undertaken by local individuals and organizations. To add to this list, email news@thedailystar.com or call 432-1000, ext. 217.
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Red Cross closes last Delaware County shelter
Aid efforts for flood victims continue throughout the region as individuals and organizations tend to the needs of the thousands affected by last weekend’s storms and flooding.
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Schoharie couple recall night of flood, pick up pieces
SCHOHARIE _ It begins as a tiny stream on the north slope of 3,573-foot Indian Head Mountain in the Eastern Catskills.
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Some area NYSEG customers still without power
Although two local utilities report having restored nearly all power to customers affected by Tropical Storm Irene more than a week ago, hundreds of local customers are among those who remain without power.
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Week in Review: Hurricane Irene aftermath
Hurricane Irene dominated the news locally as well as nationally this week.
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Hurricane Irene caused damage but brought community together
I often say that being a news editor is never boring. The past week has been a vivid example of just what I mean.
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Delaware County offers transportation to victims of Irene
In a press release, the Delaware County Human Services Departments announced today that they have arranged for free public transportation for victims of Hurricane Irene to travel to the Disaster Assistance Service Center at Belleayre Ski Center in High Mount and two area grocery stores.
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disaster Aid and assistance
The Daily Star is compiling information about aid available to flood victims, and relief efforts being undertaken by local individuals and organizations. To add to this list, email news@thedailystar.com or call 432-1000, ext. 217.
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Delaware flood center offers laundry, showers, food
The Delaware County Flood Recovery Center is open at Belleayre Ski Center, according to a media release from the Delaware County Office of Emergency Services.
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Area residents may have power restored by the weekend
Most area residents still without power should have service restored by the weekend, but some repairs are taking longer than originally estimated, according to figures provided by two utilities Thursday afternoon.
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Public transportation arranged for local Irene victims
In a press release, the Delaware County Human Services Departments announced today that they have arranged for free public transportation for victims of Hurricane Irene to travel to the Disaster Assistance Service Center at Belleayre Ski Center in High Mount and two area grocery stores.
The Disaster Assistance Service Center is a three-county service center for Delaware, Greene and Ulster counties.
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Free laundry, batteries in Cobleskill
Free laundry service and device recharging will be available in Cobleskill today and tomorrow.
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Area volunteers deliver needed relief
Teams of Salvation Army, American Red Cross and Catholic Charities volunteers have been delivering supplies and water to help victims in Delaware County, which was left a disaster area by Hurricane Irene winds and rain, official said Thursday.
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disaster Aid and assistance
The Daily Star is compiling information about aid available to flood victims, and relief efforts being undertaken by local individuals and organizations. To add to this list, email news@thedailystar.com or call 432-1000, ext. 217.
- Delaware County officials urge residents to apply for help
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Sens. Schumer, Gillibrand campaign for disaster aid
New York's two U.S. senators kept up their campaigns for federal disaster aid Thursday in separate statements.
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Power to be restored to local counties in next few days
Customers in the local four counties continue to be among those still missing power in large numbers, but many will have service restored within the next few days, according to figures provided by two utilities on Thursday afternoon.
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Red Cross opens three day centers
The American Red Cross has opened day centers in the region for area residents affected by flooding. The following centers are open until 6 p.m. today, and will serve hot meals at 5 p.m.
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Area officials welcome federal disaster assistance
President Barack Obama's declaration of a state of emergency in Delaware, Schoharie and other counties affected by Hurricane Irene was seen as good news by those interviewed Wednesday. Two Democratic senators urged more action for farmers in the affected counties.
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Over 10,000 NYSEG customers still without power in area
Work continued to restore electrical service to the thousands without power in the region on Tuesday, but many remain without service, with some scheduled to wait until next week for restoration.
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NYSEG announces timetable for repairs
NYSEG has released estimated restoration times for the first time since Hurricane Irene swept through the region.
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Meals available in Otsego County
Otsego County is offering meal sites in Oneonta and Unadilla today.
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Interstate 88 exits reopened
Interstate 88 in Schoharie County between exit 22 for Cobleskill and Middleburgh and exit 23 for Central Bridge and Schoharie has been re-opened, the state Department of Transportation said Wednesday afternoon.
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AP: President declares disaster for eight upstate counties
President Barack Obama has declared a disaster in New York after Tropical Storm Irene, freeing up federal recovery funds for area counties, according to the Associated Press.
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Red Cross closes last shelter but aid efforts continue
