During flash floods brought by Hurricane Ida last year, more than 86 people needed water rescues in Raritan Township, New Jersey, writes Andrea Corwley-Hughes for TAPIntoFlemington/Raritan. 

Five people lost their lives in the storm, including Drexel Hill resident Preston Levyn Moody.

Ida victims were remembered at a Sept. 6 township committee meeting, with former Mayor Gary Hazard nearly brought to tears.

 “Last week was really hard,” he said.

The Township Committee adopted a resolution and paused for a moment of silence to remember the lives lost and victims of the storm.

Others killed in the floods were Raritan Township resident Jake John Taylor, Bridgewater resident Suzan Hanna, Ringoes resident Mark Adam Pavol, and international student Daphnee Francisca Lopez-Delbono of Raritan.

“Prolific flooding in the township of Raritan resulted in the loss of lives, extensive property damage, and a tremendous amount of debris throughout the community,” read current Mayor Scott MacDade from the resolution.

There was one tale of triumph.  Emma Frey of Flemington escaped from her car but was swept 2 miles. She survived after swimming through debris-filled water.

Four hours later, rescue workers found her in the woods.

Read more at TAPIntoFlemington/Raritan about the Ida victim remembrance from Raritan Township.