CLINTON, Ohio — After a devastating flood, some people living along Luna Lake fear their homes may be a total loss.
Dozens of affected homeowners spent their Sunday removing floors, ripping out insulation and throwing out years of memories.
Earlier this week, rising water spilled into more than 20 homes, causing widespread damage.
Bryon Czartoszwki’s home was one of the many that flooded. He says he and his family could only save what they could put in backpacks as they rushed to safety.
"Making sure everybody was safe was number one. Possessions were number two. Getting back home is now the main priority.”
Czartozwski says the cleanup efforts could take months.
"To just to get the materials back and get the construction done, it's going to be extensive."
George Martin's home was also full of water. He lost more than he could estimate.
“I have to admit, a couple of times I cried."
The memories are potentially gone for good because fixing the damage at some of the homes could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, said Czartozwski.
Luna Lake is not in a flood plain, which means the affected homeowners did not believe they needed flood insurance, leaving many with a very expensive bill.
The flooding could force people out of their homes for at least the rest of the year -- or forever.
It’s a reality many have never imagined.
“It’s been tough,” Martin said.