Rain, rain, go away, come again another day was probably the thoughtof every citizen, in the city of Paterson, affected by Hurricane Irene’smassive destruction. The flooding of the Passaic River now overtook thecity known for its textile industry, silk production, and its legendary GreatFalls. “It was a birthday to remember,” said Jermaine Major, a lifelongresident living at 5th avenue housing development. “Route 20 was literallyunder water. It was like it became an extension of the river.”

The dangerously high river drifted debris and other waste materials alongthe invisible streets. Ruined storefronts, abandoned automobiles, andflooded basements were among the major disasters affecting the peoplewho live there. Businesses suffered from major profit loss while homesand residential areas were evacuated during this detrimental storm. Manyhomes were without electricity creating a ghost town where people foundthemselves living in shelters, or with family and friends living outside theflood zone. However, others refused to leave their homes no matter theoutcome brought about from Irene.

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