Detroit Mayor Praises Fire, EMS Performance During Floods

Aug. 13--Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said crews are canvassing the city to identify roads that remain flooded after Monday's historic downpour.

The rain, which measured five inches in some areas, was the most Detroit has seen in one day in 89 years, Duggan said.

The deluge overwhelmed the city's sewer system, Duggan said, causing the flooding. The water department's sewer system discharged water into the Detroit River as fast as possible, Duggan said.

"Many thanks go out to the first responders -- including fire department and EMS workers -- who attended to those in distress, in some cases pulling stranded motorists from their vehicles and getting them to safety," the mayor said in a statement.

A spokesman for the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department referred to the mayor's statement. Darryl Latimer, the water department's deputy director, could not be reached for comment.

Detroit has a combined sewer system that collects rainwater, sewage and other wastewater. About 90% of Detroit's sewers are 50 years or older, according to a 2003 wastewater master plan available on the DWSD's website.

Duggan encouraged residents to find their catch basin and remove any visible debris. For additional help clearing an obstruction, call the water department at 1-313-267-8000 during the day and 1-313-267-7401 after hours and the city will send out a crew to clear the obstruction.

A special bulk pickup will happen in Detroit, so residents can leave flood-damaged items on the curb. The city will not issue any citations for debris left at the curb until the city remove it, Duggan said.

Detroiters with questions about the storm are asked to call 1-313-267-8000 during normal business hours and 1-313-267-7401 after hours.

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