VIDEO: Tuesday marks 70 years since one of the worst natural disasters in Connecticut’s history. During the flood of 1955, more than 80 people died across the state, including 29 in Waterbury.
Waterbury veteran Nicholas Coscia served in the National Guard during the flood on Aug. 19, 1955. On Monday, he recounted what it was like to be in the middle of recovery efforts. Archival photos and videos of that horrific day remain at the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury.
Coscia identified a house that he remembered had a little boy inside. “That was one of the first bodies. I was going to jump in, but then I wouldn’t have been here,โ Coscia recalled. That’s when he knew he had to help and do more for his community. “My mother started crying, she comes down and she almost tried to pull me away. I said, ‘Mom I have to go and help,’โ Coscia said.
The Naugatuck River swelled thanks to hurricanes Connie and Dianne. It crested about 27 feet above its low water level. He still remembers how the city looked when it was underwater. He said when the Thomaston Dam broke, it was all over. “I’ve been alive almost 88 years and this is without a doubt, in my testimony, the worst disaster in the state of Connecticut,โ Coscia said.
According to the Mattatuck Museum, 12 Sikorsky helicopters saved 297 people around Waterbury. Part of that operation included flying doctors and nurses to Waterbury hospitals from isolated areas. The State Guard and the Red Cross were mobilized.
Coscia has a book about the flood in his home. Each time he turns the pages, he remembers more. The veteran said everyone came together to help during the flood. He hopes people continue those acts of service in the future.
