On August 5, raging floodwater caused by six inches of rain in just a few hours damaged 173 homes in Johnson City, Tenn. Most of the homeowners did not have flood insurance because their homes were not located in a known floodplain. Samaritan’s Purse responded with a team and tools to remove debris and silt from homes and properties.
The first homeowners we helped were Bill and Wanalynn Chapman. The couple has owned a miniature horse farm for more than 20 years. When the flood reached their house, it destroyed all the fences and barns and killed 11 horses, five goats, and one donkey. With help from Samaritan’s Purse and the community, the couple has cleared most of the debris and hopes to start rebuilding their farm soon.
