Heavy Rains Force Hundreds in Ohio to Flee

ST. PARIS, Ohio —  Hundreds of people in western and central Ohio fled their homes, some in boats, as nearly a foot of rain fell Tuesday. Streets were flooded and basements collapsed.

At least 150 homes and businesses, were damaged, said Nancy Dragani, a spokeswoman for the state Emergency Management Agency. More damage will probably be found when the water recedes, she said.

Gov. George Voinovich declared a state of emergency in five counties.

In St. Paris, a town of about 1,800 northeast of Dayton, some 100 people fled as the water rose. Authorities said three or four families had to be rescued by boat.

In the downtown business district, the water swamped merchandise in stores and flooded streets, leaving only the top two feet of one stop sign visible.

To the west, in Piqua, there were more evacuations as nine to 10 inches of rain fell during six hours and water uprooted trees and tore large chunks of asphalt from streets.