CINCINNATI — One year after historic flooding along the Ohio River forced evacuations and damaged homes and businesses, residents in New Richmond, Ohio are still feeling the effects.
Lasting Impact After Record Flooding
In April 2025, days of heavy rain pushed the Ohio River to a crest of around 60 feet, flooding large portions of the village. Dozens of homes and businesses, particularly in the downtown riverfront area, were affected.
Although visible damage has mostly been cleared, many residents say recovery has taken time.
At local restaurant Green Kayak, owner Rebecca Light recalled how quickly the water rose.
“We ended up with 13 inches of water inside the restaurant within 24 hours or less,” she said.
The business closed for five days while crews cleaned up the damage.
Emergency Response and Lessons Learned
Emergency crews carried out evacuations as floodwaters surged. Fire Chief Tim Feldkamp said the village had not seen water levels that high in decades.
“When you’re in a flood zone, being prepared and aware are top priority,” he said.
Officials relied on an incident action plan to coordinate the response, but the event also revealed areas needing improvement—especially in long-term recovery efforts.
Some residents were displaced for up to six months.
Focus on Recovery and Preparedness
Moving forward, local leaders are prioritizing faster recovery timelines, helping residents return to their homes and businesses more quickly after future flooding events.
Infrastructure improvements along the riverfront are also underway, with a downtown construction project expected to be completed later this year.
Living With the River
Despite ongoing improvements, residents acknowledge that flooding remains a part of life along the Ohio River.
“There is no stopping it… It’s just river life, and we all know it,” Light said.
For many in New Richmond, the anniversary serves as both a reminder of the devastation and a testament to the community’s resilience.
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