MUSKOGEE, OK (KJRH) — Neighbors in low-lying areas along the Arkansas River are getting back to their homes, cleaning up after suffering what they call unimaginable damage. But as the floodwaters recede, families who lost everything are being helped by complete strangers.
The families affected by flooding call the cleanup a long road ahead - a slow process of taking out everything they own from their homes.
A Muskogee County family along Highway 10 lost everything after floodwater rose all the way to their ceiling. They were able to make it back home Monday, after being away for what felt to them like months.
As Mike and Diane Ogle went to work, Abby Meanegold and three of her kids, complete strangers, showed up on their porch.
"As soon as we could leave Braggs, we came straight down here and walked around until someone let us in and we could start helping," Meanegold said.
The Meanegold family was stranded in Braggs, with vital support from people using their own boats to ferry people and supplies across floodwaters. After those waters receded, the family decided to pay it back.
"I want to come back every day until it’s done," Meanegold said. "I wouldn’t want to be left with this by myself, so I want to help as much as I can.”
Diane, who placed everything she could salvage in her front yard, was overwhelmed by the support.
"It’s just been amazing, how good-hearted people are," she said.
Other Braggs residents like Keshia Hines went around delivering food, water, and even freeze pops to volunteers and families cleaning up. It was the total effort, Diane said, that is helping give their family the support to get back on their feet.
"It’s just everything," Diane said. "They’ve been such good help.”
Diane says dumpsters will be brought in to affected areas of the county, a cost-free answer for homeowners unsure what to do with the ruined contents of their houses.
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