Members of the Wood County Sheriff’s Office, St. Joseph Ambulance Service, and the Eastwood Volunteer Fire Department assembled in the vicinity of the 1100 block of Nicollete Road on Sunday following a report of a vehicle submerged in high water.
The response was prompted by a call received at 5:37 p.m. at the Wood County 911 Center, indicating that a blue S-10 truck was submerged in high water. Wood County Sheriff Rick Woodyard mentioned that the Little Hocking Fire Department dive team had arrived on the scene and successfully recovered a body. Pifers Towing was also present to retrieve the submerged vehicle. The cause of the incident is currently under investigation.
Meanwhile, across the Ohio River, Marietta initiated its second round of cleanup within a week as both the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers experienced a rise in water levels over the weekend.
According to a social media post by the city on Sunday, the Ohio River is gradually receding and currently stands at 37.20 feet. The post noted that certain roads would remain closed until Monday morning to facilitate clearance of debris and ensure safe reopening.
Mayor Josh Schlicker affirmed that the city is committed to expediting the cleanup process and reopening affected areas promptly. Streets such as Virginia, High, and Gilman will continue to be closed until debris and mud are cleared. Despite the diligent efforts of city workers post the April 2 floods, the rapid rise in water levels over the weekend necessitated further cleanup operations.
Schlicker acknowledged the challenges posed by the consecutive weather events, emphasizing the need for patience as the water levels subside to facilitate comprehensive cleanup efforts.
The National Weather Service from Charleston has predicted a 20 percent chance of showers later in the day, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 77 degrees. Tuesday’s forecast includes a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon, with a 40% chance of precipitation.
Mayor Schlicker reiterated the city’s commitment to swiftly reopening the affected roads as soon as possible.
The iconic river gauge located at the end of Ohio Street has long provided Marietta residents with a simple means to monitor river levels. Situated across the Muskingum River near the former Harmar School, the electronic gauge remains a reliable indicator for the community.
Despite the challenges posed by the flooding, the resilience of the community shines through as residents and wildlife navigate the submerged areas, exemplifying the spirit of unity in the face of adversity.