PHOTOGRAPH INFO

These photographs were taken over the last few days in Riegelsville (formerly a part of Durham Township but now its own boro) as the Delaware River rose significantly above flood stage for the third time in only 20 months.

Hurricane Ivan was the cause in September 2004 when the river rose to 31 feet; torrential rains and opened dams in NY state were the cause in April 2005 when the river rose to 34 feet; 10 days of heavy rain in the northeast region were the cause this time as the river rose to 33 feet. Prior to September 2004, the river hadn't flooded since August 20, 1955, when it reached a record 39 feet at Riegelsville. The cause was two back-to-back hurricanes.

These photos were shot at different times on June 28th and June 29th, after the heavy rains had let up. The Delaware River crested around 4 p.m. on June 29th.

Needless to say, nearly every town along the Delaware River is a mess and all have been declared disaster areas again. Volunteers are needed everywhere; if you're inclined to volunteer, talk with local officials who are coordinating efforts.

Post-processing: Shot with the Canon EOS 5D as follows:

1) 17mm, ISO 250, 1/200s, f/7.1
2) 40mm, ISO 250, 1/250s, f/8
3) 24mm, ISO 2500, 1/250s, f/8
4) 17mm, ISO 250, 1/100s, f/8
5) 120mm, ISO 250, 1/200s, f/9
6) 70mm, ISO 250, 1/400s, f/9
7) 27mm, ISO 250, 1/640s, f/9
8) 140mm, ISO 1000, 1/100s, f/8
9) 17mm, ISO 250, 1/320s, f/13
10) 24mm, ISO 250, 1/250s, f/9
11) 24mm, ISO 640, 1/100s, f/8
12) 24mm, ISO 400, 1/200s, f/8
13) 24mm, ISO 400, 1/250s, f/8
14) 29mm, ISO 250, 1/250s, f/8
15) 80mm, ISO 1000, 1/100s, f/8
16) 24mm, ISO 1000, 1/160s, f/8

Curves adjustments for contrast and saturation, color balancing for tone.

Thank you for visiting Durham Township!

--Kathleen

You did a nice job of documenting this. We could have used some of that rain down here in Texas, we're in a drought right now!

my god... that's a lot of water. way, way to much, judging this series. great job though.

Glad to see your blog isn't soggy, still crisp as ever.

I've been waiting for your flood pictures. This is rough for the folks living along the river. No doubt many were lulled into a false sense of security after not having any floods since 1955 (I remember those hurricanes!) A sad event well captured.

Wow. I heard that some towns were under water, I didn't realize to what extent. That comparison between river normally and now is nuts!

Great documentary series Kathleen. The floods have certainly been overwhelming. I live just a few miles from the river, and I've never seen it move so fast in my life. The other day I saw full trees being swept away.

hey Kathleen, I wonder if you still remembers me. I haven't been in the photobloggies world for quite some time. I noticed that you photo treatment has changed quite a lot but they are still as beautiful and interesting!!! Nice shots!

it's amazing how powerful water is. whether it's destructive (as in these cases) or placid (in others). you capture these moments with a very cameron crowe-esque fashion. as always, amazing.

Heartbreaking, but great photos. I hope you, your family and friends are doing OK.

nice reportage! hopefully, the damage will turn out to be not so bad...

This is a very sad situation. My prayers go out to all those who are suffering during this mess. I have some friends who dodged the bullet along the Susquehanna in Kingston just outside of Wilkes Barre. They were forced to evacuate but thankfully the new flood control system worked.

You have done a great service by documnenting these events the way that you do.

Crazy weather. Awesome photos as usual.

I think that Riegelsville should stop planning big community events, during the last flood the 100 yr anniversary of the Roebling Bridge was planned and this weekend the 90 yr anniversary of Riegelsville a Heritage Day was scheduled. It is a river town, which I love and have been a resident since 1978. I love going to the local events, just bad luck with the last two that have been scheduled.

Here in central NJ we suffered similar flooding after Hurricane Floyd in 1999. Its toll on homeowners and businesses was staggering. My thoughts go out to everyone who will have to cope with the aftermath of this year's flood. Your before and after photos of the Roebling bridge say it all. I hope you and your family escaped the worst of it.

Hope all is well with you and yours. Nice job with the photojournalism there.
Hope things get cleaned up soon!

Great reporting photography! Lovely shots.

Didn't know you have a flair in photojournalism as well. i have never experienced a flood myself, so i don't really know what it's like on the ground. But i'm sure it could get really irksome and dangerous at worst. Hope you and those around you are not too troubled by this.

Another great series! lovely colours as always! shame about the conditions but its nice to see you using every opportunaty! botton one is my favourite

Big Water! Bolshaja Voda!
What the Summer! Like in the Ural!

I am thrilled to have found your photographs of my hometown, Riegelsville,and so many other places I recognize from my childhood bicycle jaunts around Durham Township. Thank you from Houston, Texas, for sharing these with the world.

I am so sorry to know the flooding has reoccured.