SAN DIEGO — The clean-up has only just begun, and there are growing concerns following major flooding at a condo complex in Allied Gardens.
"It was about shin- to knee-high while it was flowing. This is normally what we'd see with heavy rainfall and flooding," said Josh Florez, who works for Mighty Dry. "This was thousands and thousands of gallons. Every floor, every wall — just soaked."
The walkway at a condo complex on Fontaine Street in Allied Gardens turned into a rushing river within minutes Tuesday night.
"My first reaction was to wake up my wife and grab my kids," said Marcos Beltran.
Of the ten units, Beltran lives in one of the five that were destroyed.
"It was definitely a lot to process — emotions and adrenaline," he said.
Insurance coverage can be complicated, as some residents rent while others own. However, the Beltrans are hoping to return in a few months.
"We're safe, we learn from it, and keep moving forward. It's a moment to teach my kids that those are just materials," Beltran said.
As the crew from Mighty Dry worked quickly to prevent mold, they heard other heartbreaking stories.
"I heard one person yesterday — she was excited because she'd finally done her Christmas shopping early to be prepared. She put everything under the bed, and it was all destroyed," Florez said.
Though still unconfirmed by the HOA at Villa Fontaine, CBS 8 was told a pipe burst beneath some parking spots, flooding the streets and homes with mud and water.
Due to the large amount of water, sinkholes are now another major concern.
The Red Cross has stepped in to assist the displaced residents.