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People living in first floor of VB apartment complex flooded out of homes

Posted at 8:51 PM, Oct 11, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-11 23:21:53-04

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - More than 168 homes in the Waypoint at Lynnhaven apartment complex are in unlivable conditions because of flooding.

On Tuesday, people living in first-floor units were throwing away furniture soaked with potentially toxic flood water and hauling away water-logged carpets and cabinetry.

"We've been here for three days. It took them two days to get here to help out. We were basically under water with no help," said Shcora Parker, who lives in a townhouse. She told News 3, she is feeling the burden of having to start all over. "The holidays are coming up so I have to... just start over again. Do everything on my own. So I've been pretty emotional."

Parker explained her family has been living on the second floor. "We gotta get out of here because the smell is getting really bad," said Parker.

Arlene Mintah lives across from Parker. Mintah is pregnant and her baby is due in three weeks. But instead of resting and getting her home ready for a new baby, she's throwing away her family's belongings.

"I don't want to cry anymore because we just moved here. As soon as we're settled, and then this...I don't want to cry anymore. I don't even want the kids to see me crying," said Mintah, with tears welling up in her eyes. Her kids helped her throw away food, toys and belongings ruined by water.

Homes weren't the only things damaged. Sarah Hardin's cars are no longer usable, despite her and her husband's attempt to park them on higher ground.

"My insurance has told me that my car is totaled, so is my husband's," said Hardin.

Waypoint Apartments is moving people who live on the first floor into hotels or reimbursing them if they stay with family or friends. The apartment is working on fixing the extensive damage and make them livable once again.