Remembering Agnes

Agnes began as a tropical disturbance off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico on June 14, 1972. After regaining strength, Agnes made landfill over southeastern New York on the 22 nd, and became nearly stationary over Pennsylvania by the morning of June 23. On this day, Agnes swept through northeastern Pennsylvania, and in her wake, left 18 inches of rain, 6 people dead, 25,000 homes nearly destroyed, and 1 billion dollars in damages. The Susquehanna River rose to 40.9 feet, 18.9 feet above flood stage, and 4 feet above the levees that were built after the flood of 1936. Although 2,728 businesses in Wilkes-Barre were damaged by the 9 feet of water that flooded Public Square, downtown Wilkes-Barre has been totally revitalized by the new businesses and buildings that sprung up after the tragedy.

However, the statistics do not show the psychological impact Agnes had on so many residents of northeastern Pennsylvania. Remembering Agnes gives retrospective history to this devastation, but also shows the indomitable spirit of these Pennsylvania residents in recovery efforts.

Member Schools can download the educational curricula support for this documentary here.

For more information, please use our online form, or contact Andrea O'Neill, Education Services
andreao'neill @ wvia . org
(570) 602-1182

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