Fayette Co. remains under state of emergency

REDSTONE TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Extreme flooding in Redstone Township led to a state of emergency being declared Friday in Fayette County.

The Republic Volunteer Fire chief  said it was not safe and to leave before floodwaters got to the point where they were trapped. Officials secured the area in an effort to keep everyone safe.

The state of emergency remained in effect on Saturday.

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On Friday, the Republic Volunteer Fire Chief John P. Duke led Channel 11 up to the flood zone in a Fairbank neighborhood.

He asked Channel 11 to show the waters as a warning to everyone living across the viewing area to stay at home, get to safe ground and not drive through standing water.

"This is no joke,” Duke said. “We are not out here because we want to be. The community needs us right now.”

Pala Street in Fairbank is closed after nearly 2 feet of water accumulated there.

The rising waters prompted an evacuation of several homes, including Kelley Ferchalk's, because she and her neighbors were put in direct danger.

"They're pulling people out of here by boat,” Ferchalk said. “We got out because we have two dogs; they told us we had to leave or we would have to go by boat."

Channel 11 learned two people had to be rescued and PennDOT was called in to secure the roadways. Shelter was available at Republic Fire Hall and New Salem Fire Hall.

The Red Cross assisted residents in Fayette, Indiana, Westmoreland and Allegheny counties after Friday's severe weather. More than 60 Red Cross Clean-Up Kits were distributed to homeowners during the past few days. Four Indiana County families and two Allegheny County families whose homes sustained greater damage were provided with additional Red Cross assistance.

Anyone who has been impacted by flooding and still needs assistance can contact the Red Cross. In Indiana County, residents should call 724-465-5678 (choose option 1). In Westmoreland and Fayette Counties, the number to use is 724-834-6510 (choose option 1).

Cox Media Group