Wednesday, June 10, 2009 3:20 PM

In May of 2006, the Merrimack Valley Region of Massachusetts got almost 16 inches of rain over a period of eight days. The Merrimack and Concord Rivers, which run through the city of Lowell, both rose well above flood stage and much of the city had to be evacuated.

Everything was under water at ground level: cars, roads and people. Homes were destroyed, people were displaced and water eroded the streets. People were carrying their belongings in shopping carts. Emotions ran high as many realized they had lost what could not be replaced: wedding albums, family photos, things held dear.