CALUMET CITY, Ill. — South suburban emergency officials were in Calumet City Wednesday to highlight efforts to combat flooding after Sunday’s storms.

The damage was so bad at Dolton’s Thornridge High School students will be learning remotely Wednesday and Thursday. Flooding damaged the heating and electrical systems at the school.

About nine to 11 inches of heavy rain fell Sunday causing sewers to back up and streets to flood — as well as homes.

On Wednesday, city and county leaders really focused on the future and ways to fix the aging infrustructure in Calumet City specifically, but also touching on many of the south suburbs.

In a statement, the mayor of Calumet City said the infrustructure has been neglected for more than 35 years and since taking over, fixing it has become a priority.

FEMA is already on the ground after a federal disaster declaration was made for flooding that happened back in late June and July. That disaster recovery center opened last week at the Calumet City Library.

The Calumet City Council voted Wednesday to free up $1 million of Covid relief money to help. The mayor also said, regardless of what the bill, the city will pay it.