5/2/08 A Very Human Reaction to Un-Natural Events
By Richard F. Green, PhD

We call floods "natural," even "acts of God." True in most cases, but evidence shows human hands churn Delaware River waters resulting in three devastating floods in September 2004, April 2005 and June 2006.

The case for accountable river management has been reported. I am writing to give voice to the flood victims many of whom are just NOW realizing what these repetitive disasters mean for them.

Riverside residents chose the magnificent Delaware because of its serenity. Now, man-made floods have turned lives upside down. Apprehension replaces stillness. Seasonal rains prompt concerns about evacuation. And steady rain, which was once comforting and sleep-inducing, can cause a sleepless night.

Flooding impacts people in a way very few other disasters can. It is very personal. You lose things you have saved all your life. Your home is no longer a sanctuary because fears of uprooting dispel any notions of safety.

For Delaware River victims, politics exacerbates this reality - reservoir safety voids, a sustainable solution, are within sight, yet out-of-reach.

I encourage anyone suffering from the floods to seek help. Regain personal control by joining your neighbors in fighting for reservoir safety voids and responsible river management.

Richard F. Green, PhD
(Dr. Green is a licensed Psychologist living in Lambertville, NJ)