Few days ago John and I took our puppies for a ride. We drove to Schoharie, which is just 11 miles from us. When we drive there, we cross a line between Albany and Schoharie County. Because of Tropical Storm Irene the town of Schoharie was flooded badly by Schoharie Creek, and it suffered a major devastation. The below pictures will show you how our area looks like
one month after Irene's arrival.
I have never seen the environment destroyed to this extent. I certainly have a much deeper empathy now for people who live in areas destroyed by wars and natural disasters. It is hard to explain, but every time I drive on Route 443 my throat tightens and I feel this extreme negative energy. It truly feels like the environment were alive and now was wounded and crying for help. So while the fall with its beautiful colors always has been a favorite season for me here in the Helderbergs, this year the destruction left by Irene is gut wrenching.
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| This is Agway in Berne, and it is hard to believe but it is open for business. You have to maneuver your way in on plank boards. As it turned out the main part of building was spared the collapse into Fox Creek and the foundation is solid. The owner lost some inventory especially animal feed, but he is determined to rebuild and continue with his business. |
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| This is a common sight on Rte 443, which leads from Berne to Schoharie. Six miles of the road was washed away. |
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| One of the local bridges off Rte 443 still completely devastated. |
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| This is what gushing Fox Creek left behind. |
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| Another bridge around Gallupville, the town that was cut off by the flood. |
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| Schoharie center was flooded badly, and many houses on Main Street are condemned. |
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| Businesses are destroyed and shut down. |
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| Schoharie's Main Street. Houses seem empty. |
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| We saw many construction workers as the cleanup continues. |
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| Another victim of flood and fire. |
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| Schoharie Creek still looks like a river, a very muddy river. |
To read more about challenges that the area residents face go to
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