Florence residents ordered to evacuate as collapsing yard threatens homes

FLORENCE, N.J. -- A steep ravine is threatening to swallow two homes in Florence, Burlington County that overlook the Delaware River.

This morning engineers determined that the situation is too dangerous, and they are now asking the homeowners near the collapse site to evacuate their properties.

Geotechnical engineers from a private consulting company visited the scene on the 400 block of E. Front Street today to examine the eroding hillside that's been collapsing over the last two years, and which is now threatening two homes.

Chris and Lynne O'Dell live in one of the two homes.

Chris says, "It's finally coming to a head. So, we're almost looking forward to a decision because at least then we can move forward with a plan."

Monday's torrential rains eroded the hill further, exposing an abandoned storm sewer drain pipe that was spewing water, and may be the cause of the dramatic collapse of the hillside.

"Any time we get any kind of significant rainfall, we start to see more of the loss of the property. I guess that's part of what the engineering folks are probably going to be able to determine," Chris said.

The township has asked the O'Dells to keep people out of their yard, and this morning erected fences to keep the curious away.

The O'Dells have been preparing for the worst, but have been reluctant to begin packing their belongings.

Lynne O'Dell says, "I'm still trying to wrap my head around this. We, you know, we've talked about it... packing stuff, and I just can't bring myself to do it. I know I need to."

Chris tells us, "One thing we talked about was no matter what, let's get the things that we can't replace, the family pictures, the documents, that kind of stuff. And let's get those off site."

The engineers say they are quite sure more erosion will occur. And with rain coming later today, they are urging the homeowners to get their situations together and remove themselves from the properties.