By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

PELHAM—The Pelham Police and Fire departments have been working since early this morning to rescue residents from their homes in flooded areas.

Due to heavy rain, Pelham experienced flooding in multiple areas and severe flash flooding at Chandalar Drive and Greenpark South.

“We’ve been out here since 6:15 this morning,” said Deputy Fire Chief Blair Sides, who was helping to lead rescue efforts at Chandalar Drive. “We’ve rescued between 20 and 25 people, and calls are still coming in.”

Currently, efforts are being focused at Chandalar Drive, where Sides estimates flood water to be “at least five feet deep in some parts.”

“This is really unusual,” said Deputy Police Chief Larry Palmer. “This is a flood that we haven’t seen in years.”

Two Humvees and three boats are working to rescue residents from their flooded homes.

“There’s about three to four feet of water in my home,” said resident Kim McTune, who was rescued by a Humvee this morning. “My car is completely covered.”

The severe overnight flooding caught residents off guard.

Resident Heather Delander said she was unaware of the possibility of flooding when she left for work last night.

“My roommate called me at 6:30 this morning and said ‘Don’t come home, you can’t make it in here,’” said Delander. “This was not expected at all.”

“I’ve never seen it this bad, and I’ve lived here for 15 years,” said resident Lawrence Rogers.

Water levels are expected to recede in the coming hours, however residents do not know when they will be able to return to their homes. Delander said she was told she may not be able to enter her home “until late this evening.”

Other areas such as Creekview Drive and Greenpark South experienced sever flooding, and water rescues were also carried out at Greenpark South. However, Sides confirmed those areas were under control and rescue efforts were winding down as of 11 a.m.

No injuries have been reported, however Palmer estimates that “hundreds” were affected by the flooding.

The Pelham Police and Fire departments will continue rescue efforts and encourage Pelham residents to proceed with caution on the roads.