Union County Animal Shelter Inundated By Floodwaters: 'We Lost Everything'

PLAINFIELD, NJ — A Union County animal shelter "lost everything" in Monday's flooding that also claimed two lives and prompted a state of emergency across all of New Jersey.

In a post shared on Facebook, employees at the Plainfield Area Humane Society said they received several alerts from the shelter's alarm company as floodwaters rose on Monday night.

"(We) knew we were taking in water," shelter staff wrote. "What we didn't expect was for the entire shelter to be underwater."

The shelter's director, manager, a board member and a volunteer were able to swim through the debris to get inside the building and check on the animals.

"They were sitting in darkness with water quickly filling their cages, many were already chest deep in the flood," shelter staff wrote.

According to the shelter, those who made it into the building were able to move all animals to higher ground and safety; however, all supplies were lost.

"We have absolutely nothing — no food, bedding, litter, or supplies of any kind," shelter staff wrote. "What we DO have are our animals and for that we are eternally grateful. Any donations or rescues able to assist with animals would be greatly appreciated."

Donations to the Plainfield Area Humane Society can be made online.

• RELATED: 2 Dead, Homes Destroyed, Dozens Pulled From Flood Waters As Storm Bludgeons NJ

Plainfield was among the areas hardest hit by Monday's flooding. Two deaths were reported in the city after a vehicle was swept into Cedar Brook, according to Mayor Adrian Mapp. The victims have not been identified at this time pending notification of next of kin, officials said.

All 21 of the state's counties were under a State of Emergency on Tuesday morning due to the weather conditions and damage to the roads. The Department of Transportation has advised everyone to "avoid unnecessary travel."

“I urge New Jerseyans to exercise caution, follow all safety protocols, and remain off the roads unless absolutely necessary,” Governor Phil Murphy said of his declaration that went into effect at 8 p.m. Monday.