Community rallies for flood-ravaged Long Lake

LONG LAKE | The community spirit in Long Lake is shining brightly after the widespread July 11 torrential rainstorm that rallied neighbors, town officials and the North Country to help those in need. Valerie Galvagni's home was the first victim to the mass flooding following the spillway breach from Park Lake and the rising waters that washed out bridges, crumbled roadways and partially submerged homes in its path. As waters began to recede Tuesday and crews began the heavy task of damage assessment and early repairs, Galvagni returned home to more than six feet of standing water in her basement and mud and silt several feet high on the first floor of her home. Though it will take days or weeks for a full damage assessment, neighbors fear the home may be irrevocably damaged by the destruction left in the flood's wake, which shut down the main thoroughfare through town with downed trees, shattered roadsides and several feet of mud and debris. A GoFundMe started in the hours after the flood quickly raised more than $34,000 to assist Galvagni as area residents and many far afar heard of the town's devastation. Wednesday morning, just hours after New York State Department of Transportation announced a sooner-than-expected reopening of Route 28N/30 between Blue Mountain Lake and Long Lake, neighbors continued digging out, returning lost items and offering food, shelter and support to those in need. A floating pontoon boat and jet ski were quickly retrieved and secured for one family as others collected lost children's toys and sentimental items and highway crews worked to further repairs. Route 28N remained closed between Long Lake and Newcomb Wednesday morning due to the massive bridge washout on Fishing Brook. The Long Lake beach also remained closed Wednesday. The Long Lake Diner & Owl's Head Pub reopened Wednesday though owners cautioned patrons to use caution as the parking lot there sustained some damage. Hoss's Country Corner store was also open Wednesday as owners there commended the community spirit and urged support for Galvagni. "This woman is a mother to everyone in town and would help anyone who needed support in their time of need. Now it's our turn to show Valerie Galvagni how much she means to everyone in this community. Please give what you can, anything helps," Town officials kept a steady flow of updates throughout the day into Wednesday, thanking everyone involved for their help and support. Updates will be posted on the official Long Lake Facebook page as they're made available.

Signup for our newsletter

Community rallies for flood-ravaged Long Lake

COMPANY

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

SUBMISSION FORMS

BEYOND THE NEWS