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Flooding forces evacuations in Noble County

ROME CITY, Ind. (WANE) – Flooding in the West Lakes community in Rome City over the weekend has forced a handful of residents to evacuate their homes.

Noble County Emergency Management Director Michael Newton said at least four homes on West Lakes have been evacuated after the lake rose over the weekend to the highest level he’s seen in years. The evacuations were voluntary, Newton said.

Only one home took on water, Newton said. The others were cleared because the community’s sewer system was shut down. Newton said he assumed the sewer took on too much water and it was shut off, adding that if that was indeed the case, it will likely need pumped out before it can be turned back on.

Newton said the community has flooded several times, including in 2009, 2010 and 2013, and the sewer had to be pumped then.

“This appears to be the highest level,” Newton said of this situation.

Newton said his office will begin damage assessment soon. He’s also planning to visit other flood-prone areas in the county, though none have reported major flooding.

Newton said the Red Cross has established a shelter for residents who have been evacuated at CrossPointe Family Church of the Nazarene in Kendallville, though no one had checked in.

Those who need assistance should call the Red Cross or the Noble County Emergency Management Agency at (260) 636-2938 or (260) 347-7378, Newton said.