APPLETON, Wis. — In early July, flash flooding swept through Appleton, leaving behind several inches of rain and widespread property destruction.
Those affected said they’re still recovering and want help from the city.
"The water came up so fast, that I don't know what happened," Youa Yang said.
Yang's home and one of her vehicles were submerged in flash flood waters on July 5.
Yang said her basement is now empty thanks to flood water that completely filled it. She said even now, more than a month later, recovery has been tough.
"It has been hard because our freezers in the garage also [died], so we have no place to to put our food and a lot of things that we lost. We were not able to buy [a replacement] washer, dryer. We have been going to the laundromat, and it has been hard," Yang said.
Yang and other residents said they blame Appleton's infrastructure for the fast-rising waters and said the city should pitch in.
"I think the city should help us in some way to pay for, like, some of the appliances that we have [to replace] or the damages, because it's not that we did not take good care of our place. The water came up from the pump and it was not drained on the street, so it went up so high that it came through the window," Yang said.
Some residents have taken legal action against the city. Appleton Mayor Jake Woodford responded to complaints on Wednesday.
"There have been a number of claims filed against the City of Appleton, and all of those claims will be adjudicated through our standard claims process," Woodford said.
Woodford said he's empathetic toward the residents' issues but the city's response is limited because of pending litigation.
"I’ve been advised by outside counsel not to engage with people directly in specific terms about what's happened or what's going on. I don't like that. I didn't choose that, but I can understand how that lends itself to the perception that we're not present or doing enough," Woodford said.
Woodford said the city is looking to help residents access other resources.
"The city has reached out and engaged with to try and get people connected with resources and services and Rebuilding Together Fox Valley has been a great partner for us. St. Vincent de Paul Society has also been a great help. We're deeply appreciative also to 211, for their help," Woodford said.
But for some residents, such as Yang, that is not enough.
"I think the city should at least have some type of emergency funding to help us out, because, you know, it's a lot for our family to go through," Yang said.