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'Nothing but water' | Kirbyville residents are still picking up the pieces after flood waters surged into the city

Dozens of people in Kirbyville had to be rescued by first responders and many are displaced because their homes are damaged.

KIRBYVILLE, Texas — The Jasper County community is still cleaning up the mess left behind from Tuesday's storms that left homes and businesses hit hard with flood waters.

People who live and work along Highway 96 tell 12News the road was shut down after it was covered with several feet of water.

Dozens of people in Kirbyville had to be rescued by first responders and many are displaced because their homes are damaged.

Patricia Evdosuk lives in Kirbyville and despite the storms she didn't expect to return home Tuesday night to a flooded house.

"For a mile and a half I couldn't even see, it was nothing but water," Evdosuk said.

The severe storms caused Highway 96 to flood,  bringing in at least two feet of water into her home.

"Bedding, carpet, I have to pull up the floor and start all over again," she said.

Three of Evdosuk's pets had to be rescued by strangers in a boat, the other was left trapped inside her trailer.

"You couldn't open the door to get to the dog. She was on the countertop so she survived until this morning," said Evodosuk.

She spent Thursday evening cleaning up next to her neighbor Marcellus Dadiea who was doing the same.

"I need clothes, some more boots, they're all washed up in the woods now," said Dadiea.

The neighbors say they experienced a similar situation during Hurricane Harvey.

"I had things put up but with this one you didn't expect that much rain," Evdosuk said.

Down the road, Patrick's Auto Kirbyville was no exception.

"We had three and a half foot to 4 foot of water in our parts store, and our mechanic shop," said Manager Dale Watson.

Patrick says since opening in 1973, they've flooded 10 times. This time, he's looking at about $300,000 worth of damage.

"We will be back. We got a good crew here and good community support we're not giving up," Owner Kerry Patrick said.

Patrick says they will continue cleaning through tomorrow and plan to reopen for business on Monday.

if you would like to donate to Dadiea to help him get back on his feet you can call Linda Anderson at 409-423-7413.

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