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Senior citizen returns to water-ravaged home in S.C.

Residents of the flood-devastated Carolinas are beginning to return to their homes and survey the damage
Residents return to flood-damaged homes in Carolinas 02:12

ANDREWS, S.C. -- Denver Case, 75, was struggling with a lung disease as he sloshed through his water-ravaged home for the first time since his home flooded.

The trip was dangerous as it was devastating.

"It's ruined everything we got. Just about everything inside is wet. The water mark was up to here," he said, signaling with hand how high the water came up.

His neighborhood looked like a lake with humble homes sitting in the middle of it last Friday.

His family helped him salvage what's left and dry. Water ruined the machine that helps him breath.

"I got a small portable that I use," Case said.

They have flood insurance, but Case says his insurer has yet to write a check so he can feed and house his wife and two daughters.

"I'm homeless. I'm half depending on other people to help us out, and through the grace of god they are. We are just trying to make it until we find some relief, somewhere."

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Denver Case's home was destroyed in the flood. CBS News

The 75-year-old man and his wife planned to sleep on the floor of a friend's house. "If it wasn't for them, we'd be living in the car," Case said as he coughed.

He's out of money and desperate for options.

"I don't know," he said. He hung his head and shook it, "We don't know. I just don't know what to do."

Standing in the wreckage of water-logged furniture, Case said, "Through it all, we're gonna come back stronger." He paused. "I'm trying to be strong for my children."

Case was hospitalized hours after seeing his utterly destroyed home.

The people whose lives were destroyed by the flood will carry the scars of the disaster to their grave.


If anyone wants to help Mr. Case, his bank will accept donations. First Citizens bank, 12 N Morgan Ave, Andrews, SC, 29510

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