Norwood Flood Damages At $1.5 Million

NORWOOD, MA — The flood waters may be gone but Norwood is still paying for the damage done during the massive thunderstorm two weeks ago, literally. Norwood Town Manager Tony Mazzucco estimates damages to cost $1.5 million, and that may not be all of it.

The town is still taking claims of flood damage and the final estimate could be as high as $3 million.

Norwood declared a State of Emergency at the beginning of July following the June 28th storm that dumped 4.5 inches of rain on the town in less than two hours. The storm was so severe it flooded and temporarily shut down Norwood Hospital and it still hasn't been able to open. Patients were relocated to nearby hospitals.

To help people whose homes were affected by the flooding, the town set up an emergency residential assistance program with $180,000 in funding available to those affected by the storm. Individual homeowners who meet the income requirements can receive grants of up to $5,000 in aid.

At last week's Board of Selectmen meeting, Mazzucco asked the board to move funds from the town's Light Department to the assistance program. The board voted 4-1 to transfer $320,000 to the grant program. Mazzucco noted that the fund aren't enough to lift the burden off of all the residents who apply but it is enough to help some.

Norwood Hospital's emergency room could reopen anywhere from 40 to 60 days, Mazzucco said.

A hotline has also been set up for individuals who are looking for a loved one who is a patient at Norwood Hospital and has been evacuated. The hotline number is: 781-769-4000.

Individuals in need of emergency medical attention, who do not need an ambulance, can go to nearby Sturdy Memorial Hospital, located at 211 Park St. in Attleboro, or Beth Israel Deaconess Needham, located at 148 Chestnut St. in Needham. In addition, Norwood Urgent Care, located at 120 Boston Providence Highway in Norwood, is open to walk-ins.