Woman drowns trying to clear debris in flooded creek in southern Oregon
By Alex Jensen, KGW
PORTLAND, Ore. (KGW) — A woman drowned amid heavy rain and flooding in southern Oregon.
The 44-year-old was attempting to clear branches from a culvert under her driveway in Central Point, when the waterproof overalls she was wearing filled with water and flood waters pulled her through the culvert into a nearby creek, the Jackson County Sheriff's Office said.
Deputies responded to a call for the missing woman around 4:21 p.m. on Sunday. A Technical Rescue team was then dispatched. The woman was found about 100 yards down the creek.
She was transported via Mercy Flight to a local hospital, where despite lifesaving measures, she was pronounced dead.
"This incident is a tragic reminder of the dangers of rainstorms leading to flooding," JCSO said. "During periods of heavy rains, stay away from flood-prone areas such as stream beds, drainage ditches, and culverts."
Parts of southern Oregon are dealing with widespread flooding and landslides following days of heavy rain. Around 23 people, as well as, 10 dogs and two cats, who were trapped by floodwaters have been rescued.
Safety tips during flooding
The NWS shared the following precautionary measures that people should take when it floods:
- Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
- Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas.
- Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding.
Resources
- Douglas County Sheriff's Office Facebook page
- Douglas County residents in need of assistances can contact Douglas County Emergency Communications: 541-440-4471
- Lane County Sheriff's Office Facebook page
- Latest road closures from ODOT
- Latest forecast from the NWS
