The city of Detroit is still reeling from the effects of a water main break that occurred on Monday, February 17, flooding hundreds of homes and leaving residents to deal with the aftermath. The break, which happened in a southwest Detroit neighborhood, was caused by a nearly century-old water main, although the exact cause of the break is still unclear. Temperatures at the time of the flooding were extremely cold, reaching as low as -17C (1.4F), making the situation even more dire for those affected. Crews were quickly dispatched to the area to clean up the streets and repair the break, but for many residents, the damage has already been done.

Residents like Emilio Salazar, who grew up in the neighborhood, are struggling to come to terms with the destruction caused by the flood. Salazar's mother's house was severely damaged, with water reaching as high as the door and destroying many of their possessions. The family is currently staying in a hotel and is taking advantage of help from the city, but they are still trying to figure out what to do next. Flood damage can be devastating, and for many residents, it will take time to recover from this disaster. The city has promised to provide food, housing, and transportation for those affected, as well as cover repairs, but for many, it's a waiting game to see when these repairs will happen.

Another resident, who chose not to go on camera, told CBS News Detroit that her family was desperate to slow the spread of the water and built a mound of snow in their backyard. However, the damage was already done, and their home was severely damaged, with their furnace and hot water tank destroyed. The family is currently without consistent heat and hot water, making their situation even more difficult. The city has provided a number of resources for residents, including a hotline (313-774-5261) for those who need help, but for many, it's unclear when they will be able to return to their homes.

The situation in Detroit is a reminder of the importance of investing in infrastructure and maintaining our water systems. The water main that broke was nearly a century old, highlighting the need for regular maintenance and upgrades to prevent such disasters from happening in the future. The city has promised to take steps to prevent similar incidents, but for now, residents are left to deal with the aftermath of this devastating flood. As the city works to recover from this disaster, residents are coming together to support each other, with many offering help and resources to those in need. The road to recovery will be long, but with the help of the city and the community, residents are hopeful that they will be able to rebuild and move forward.

In terms of the timeline of events, here is a list of key milestones: * Monday, February 17: The water main break occurred, flooding hundreds of homes in a southwest Detroit neighborhood. * Tuesday, February 18: Residents began to assess the damage and clean up efforts were underway. * Wednesday, February 19: The city announced plans to provide food, housing, and transportation for those affected, as well as cover repairs. * Ongoing: Residents continue to deal with the aftermath of the flood, with many still without basic necessities like heat and hot water. The city is working to provide resources and support to those in need, but it will take time for the community to fully recover from this disaster.