Issue date: 6/12/08 Section: News

(Robbie Wroblewski/The Daily Eastern News)

Coles County was one of six southern Illinois counties that Governor Rod Blagojevich declared as state disaster areas on Tuesday.

Personnel and equipment can be mobilized to help local government officials with disaster recovery, including trucks, heavy equipment and work crews to remove debris quicker, and provide assistance with security.

"Heavy rainfall last week, coupled with exceptionally wet weather in May and June, is causing many rivers and streams to rise above flood stage, threatening homes, businesses, water supply systems and other critical infrastructure," Blagojevich said in a written statement. "The state has been working closely with local emergency management officials to assess their needs for assistance, and this state disaster declaration will ensure these counties get what they need to protect public safety and speed the recovery process."

Charleston endured rising waters from the Embarras River. Several bridges, including the Route 16 Bridge, were flooded for several hours. Surrounding summer homes and campsites suffered extreme damages.

According to the National Weather Service in Lincoln, a tornado formed in an open field 2.5 miles southwest of Lerna about 4:20 p.m. Friday and moved along County Road 250 North.

"We were finally able to get the governor to declare Coles County a disaster area," said Rep. Chapin Rose, R- Mahomet. "It took a lot to get Cumberland declared, but the whole region needs help recovering from this unfortunate and (unforeseeable) tragedy."

Rose said he's concerned for the residents who may not be able to afford the costs of intense home repairs.

Other counties included in Blagojevich's declaration include Clark, Crawford, Cumberland, Jasper and Lawrence Counties.

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