Editorial: Southern Nevadans fend thunderstorm

Sunday, July 11, 1999 | 9:11 a.m.

The thunderstorm that ripped through the valley on Thursday was devastating. Streets became virtual rivers, washing away roads and carrying cars along in the flood's path, sometimes with their drivers trapped inside. The downpour also flooded businesses and residences and even uprooted some mobile homes. At least two people died from the flash flood, which some have called the flood of the century.

Despite the devastation the rains created, it was a miracle that it wasn't worse. Part of the reason for this can be attributed to engineering: Since 1989 the Regional Flood Control District has built 20 major flood control projects, costing $300 million, to channel water to detention basins out of harm's way. Yet more needs to be done, including additional concrete lining of the Flamingo Wash to prevent further erosion. Another $200 million is projected to be spent in the next year on flood control mitigation projects; as the Sun's Mary Manning reported Friday, full protection isn't expected for another 30 years.

While engineering helped forestall even more tragedies, fire and police officers also did their part, including dramatic rescues by Metro Police helicopters that plucked motorists stranded in raging waters. Even ordinary residents helped out, risking their own lives in extraordinary acts of bravery, helping neighbors or even those whom they never had met before.

Longtime Southern Nevadans, who have witnessed other torrential downpours, may scoff at the description of Thursday's storm as a 100-year flood. In no way should this minimize, however, the loss of life and incredible property damage inflicted here. Southern Nevadans often are tagged as lacking a sense of community, because so many of its residents are new. But the response by area residents has shown once again, that when disaster strikes, Southern Nevadans will be there to help.

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