A year later, Waverly remembers the 20 lives lost to flood

In August 2021, a nearly 21-inch rainfall sent massive streams of water through the town of Waverly and surrounding areas.

A year later, the evidence is written on broken pipes, stained buildings and the faces of its citizens.

Family and friends of the 20 people who lost their lives in the storm gathered for a vigil in Waverly’s downtown square on Saturday.

Dozens crowded onto a tiny lawn. Speakers were barely audible, but folks quietly leaned in as they thanked those that picked up trash and helped rebuild homes.

While the sun set amidst storm clouds, people lit candles and exchanged hugs and tears.

“I lost — I can’t talk about it yet — I lost my Mary in the flood last year,” said Laniece Luten, who lost her aunt, Mary Luten, during the storm. Her young children piped in that they lost their Mary, too.

“It’s been a rough year, but it’s good to have a community that supports you,” Luten said.

Robin Mealer also attended the vigil. He worked in public housing for decades in Waverly and said he personally knew several of the victims, some of whom lived in creek-adjacent public housing.

“I’ve been in their houses. I’ve sat on the couches and talked to them. I drank coffee with them. I drank tea with them. They’re family to me,” he said.

“I think about this every day.”