(NewsNation) — Recovery and cleanup efforts are beginning in central Indiana, where deadly floodwaters that have claimed at least seven lives and swept away entire neighborhoods have begun to recede.President Donald Trump approved a request for FEMA assistance Saturday.
Bill Smith, who operates a specialty handcrafted goods business and coffee shop in Franklin County, which saw much of the historic flooding, says the three feet of floodwaters that did major damage to his stores are only one small example of the greater, devastating losses experienced by the surrounding communities and towns.
“All these items in my shops can be replaced, but you can’t replace many of the homes and lives that were lost,” he said.
He says he’s grateful for the volunteers who have come in to help and donate much-needed supplies. He, his staff and friends have been working to clear out the mud and water, as well as destroyed merchandise.He says the community’s resilience has shown through…