Much of Olive Branch remains underwater

OLIVE BRANCH, IL (KRCU) - Even though river levels are declining, much of Olive Branch, Illinois remains submerged. 

The small community in Alexander County was hit hard by rising floodwaters from both the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. Even now, many of the town’s homes and businesses are underwater.

Andy Clark’s home sits on higher ground and avoided direct flooding. But his father’s home shares a common story with so many others in southern Illinois.

"It came up too suddenly. It was kind of unexpected the way the water came that direction. So we were not able to sandbag or do anything," Clark said. "It was kind of just out of the blue. So he lost a lot of stuff and, of course, we’re going to be trying to clean that up tomorrow or the next day."

Clark says that his father’s home had survived previous floods without a drop of water entering the house. This time, it took on 6 inches of flood water.

Jacob McCleland, KRCU

Posted in: Alexander County,flooding,Olive Branch