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River Flow Hits 350 CFS, Balzer Urges Safety Precautions

7/22/2026

25 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Sheriff Jeffrey Balzer said five people died while rescuing a swimmer in the Scioto River at Powell, Ohio.
The victims were two women and three men, whose bodies were recovered Sunday and Monday.
USGS data showed the river flowing at 350 cubic feet per second, over four times its average.
Balzer urged people near water to assess skill levels and use safety devices.

History

Historical Context

In April 1993 the Mississippi and Missouri rivers burst their banks, creating the Great Flood of 1993—the worst U.S. flood since the 1927 Mississippi disaster. The flood killed 50 people, damaged up to $16 billion of property, and prompted President Bill Clinton to declare a federal disaster while FEMA earmarked $1.5 billion for relief. The event sparked lasting river-safety campaigns.

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Story summary

Sheriff Jeffrey Balzer said five people died while rescuing a swimmer in the Scioto River at Powell, Ohio.
The victims were two women and three men, whose bodies were recovered Sunday and Monday.
USGS data showed the river flowing at 350 cubic feet per second, over four times its average.
Balzer urged people near water to assess skill levels and use safety devices.

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