Many northern Ohio cities are coping with high water. Credit: Eric Moyer

A state of emergency was declared Wednesday for nine northern Ohio counties after severe flooding inundated the region. Officials in Findlay said the flooding in their city was the worst in at least 100 years.

Much of Findlay was reported underwater as evacuations continued throughout the day. Some residents could be seen canoeing and kayaking through streets that had water waist deep. The Blanchard River was reported nearly 7 feet over flood stage.

Other parts of northern Ohio also remained underwater after heavy rains drenched the region Monday and Tuesday. Homes throughout the region were flooded and roads, including parts of Interstate 75, were closed due to high water.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is in contact with the Presbytery of Maumee Valley and will assist in their relief and response efforts.   Members of the PDA National Response Team will be deployed to assist the presbytery and One Great Hour of Sharing and U.S.A. Disaster designated funds will be provided. Much of the area is still underwater; response activities are currently focused on working to contact clergy and members in the affected communities to offer support and to assist in the preliminary assessment of impact and need.

PDA is also in contact with presbyteries in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa.  The states were affected by the same storm system and are also experiencing flooding and high water.