Obion Co. Residents go to Shelters
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The threat of catastrophic flooding in Samburg has yet to convince most people in Obion County to evacuate. A Red Cross chapter from South Carolina set up in Hornbeak, however, less than 10 percent of people have either come to the shelter or left the area. Cots, kits, and food; it is all looking pretty good to Samburg resident, Sheryl Tate. Tate, adds, “Yes, we are going to start evacuation today.” However, Tate is an exception. According to the Obion County EMA director, about 90 percent of the population in Samburg is testing their fate. Everything is contingent upon the Tiptonville levee. Officials say if it breeches or spills over, it will cause Reelfoot Lake to swallow up Samburg. Tate, says, “We’re confused and overwhelmed.” Once a sense of tranquility, now a sense of confusion. Tate, adds, “We’d just like answers. We just don’t know how to deal with it. We thought we were going to be safe earlier in the week.” County leaders say a lot can happen in a matter of minutes, and people who are riding this out, have a false sense of security. Mary Bos, a volunteer with the Red Cross, says, “We have had a few families come through, but we are still prepared for a larger influx.” The meals are hot, and so are the showers. Volunteers say anyone is welcome. Bos, says, “I would like to encourage people to leave their homes before they put their life in danger.” It is an offer Tate is taking her up on because she knows it could look a lot worse than it already is. The Red Cross is set up at the Reelfoot Youth Camp in Hornbeak. Officials in Lake County say the levee that everyone is keeping an eye on, has not changed much since Wednesday, but they will be monitoring it throughout the week.
