'Now step up and help us!'

'Now step up and help us!'

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Story Published: Jan 14, 2009 at 12:12 AM PDT

Story Updated: Jan 14, 2009 at 11:19 AM PDT

By Marlee Ginter & KOMO Staff

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PACIFIC, Wash. -- The Army Corps of Engineers has apologized, and on Tuesday it was the residents' turn to speak up about last week's man-made flood that caused millions of dollars in damage and dozens of people homeless.

More than one hundred area homes flooded last week after the Corps released water from the Mud Mountain Dam, which was reaching a dangerously high level during the storm.

The Corps insists it didn't release any more water than they did during the flood of 2006, when only the city park flooded. Why the same action produced such difference consequences is still a mystery.

"Quite frankly we don't fully understand why at this point," said Larry Schick, meteorologist for the Corp. "We regret any of the damage in Pacific."

But an apology wasn't what the flooded residents were looking for. On Tuesday dozens yelled, stomped their feet and unleashed their anger at a public hearing.

"I just feel completely violated," said one resident.

The residents said they don't want help next week or later this week; they want it now.

"Now step up and help us!" said another resident, prompting others to yell out, "Yeah!" in support.

"What you guys did hurt us. At least you guys have places to go home to," said yet another resident.

Mayor Richard Hildreth told KOMO News the city is working on getting state and federal aid for the flooded residents.

"There is a lot of anger, number one -- their lives have been disrupted," he said. "This is a man-made flood."

But some fear it may come too late, or it may not be enough.

Debbie Brenner's home was among those flooded. She managed to save a fraction of the belongings of her daughter, who recently died. Brenner herself lives on social security, and she worries the worst isn't over yet.

"Because it's gonna hit us," she said. "Don't know how we're gonna do that."

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