On Wednesday afternoon, September 8th, Chemung County Legislator Rodney J. Strange spent the afternoon in the Village of Wellsburg touring the village and talking to officials and residents.

“The tragic devastation I witnessed today throughout the village was shockoing and heartbreaking,” Strange said. “I visited the hardest hit areas and saw firsthand the severe damage this flood has caused.” Strange met with the Mayor and Fire Chief and pledged his support to the clean-up and recovery efforts of the village and the fire department.

Strange told Mayor Malcolm Coles that he will do whatever he can to help the village deal with this natural disaster, short term and in the months ahead. Strange visited the Command Center set-up at the town hall on 6th St. and talked to village and town officials along with firemen from Wellsburg, Southport, and West Elmira. He was told of the rescue and evacuation efforts of the past 24 hours.

During the time he was at the flood scene, Strange also talked with residents who lost almost everything they owned. “I can’t describe the emotional affect this tragedy has had on me,” Strange said. “I can’t begin to imagine the how these people feel. I ask all residents of the 15th district and Chemung County to pray for the people of Wellsburg to give them the strength to carry on and rebuild their lives.”