Detroit Flood 2014 News: Hundreds of Homes Flooded, 2 Deaths Reported, Officials Look for Federal Aid and Support

A flood disaster has been declared for southeast Michigan following a storm that brought about six inches of heavy rains on Monday. The inundation led to massive flooding to the area of Detroit. It was a scene made all the worse by its biblical proportions with highways filled with water, thousands of homes damaged and even the death of a 100-year-old woman who was found deceased in her basement.

The roadways were also a disaster of epic proportions as officials said some 1,000 vehicles were trapped on city highways. I-75 resembled a flooded parking lot well into Wednesday.

Governor Rick Snyder released a statement saying, "We are actively pursuing all potential avenues of assistance, including applicable federal relief programs to ensure that all appropriate resources are secured for our hardest hit communities in Southeast Michigan." The area is so badly damaged that the only way out is through federal disaster support, officials said.

There are now public health hazards as well nearly a day after the flooding rained down on the area. Raw sewage spills and waterlogged trash lined the streets. "This is a public health issue," Warren Mayor Jim Fouts told the Detroit Free Press. His city was among the worst hit areas. "A lot of people are living in houses that smell like sewer." FEMA will likely come in to assess the damage.  

Thousands are apparently dealing with dangerous sewer backup. According to the Free Press, some 6,000 homes in the city of Hazel Park were harmed by flooding. And in Macomb County, an official said they would be seeking federal aid as well.

Authorities said two women died in the flooding. The 100-year-old woman died from apparent drowning, and the other victim, a 30-year-old, was hit with seizures and died when her vehicle was trapped by high water.