RARITAN TWP. – Hunterdon County lost six people in Tropical Storm Ida, and tonight Mayor Gary Hazard, members of the Township Committee, numerous emergency medical personnel, the families of those lost in the flood, and residents of the town gathered outside the township building here to pay tribute to the fallen.

New Jersey has recorded the deaths of 29 people in the storm, according to Governor Phil Murphy.

Raritan Township was hit very hard.

On Sept. 1st, the flood devastated the Hunterdon County township with 11 recorded inches of rain.

Rivers and streams overtook state highways, said the mayor. Waters rushing up to 50 miles per hour washed cars away.

“We actually became an isolated island,” Hazard said, in reference to his town.

The storm actually kept some first responders from getting to people, he noted.

Amwell Road was completely flooded, offering no way for motorists or pedestrians to move.

Hazard said first responders stopped counting at 86 water rescues, and estimates they must have participated in over 100.

“We saw tragedy and we also so many miracles,” said Mayor Hazard, who lost one of his own soccer players, Jake J. Taylor, 25, of Raritan Township.

The town lit candles for the dead. As they heard each of the names of the deceased, the next of kin went forward, and after the benediction, family members remained for a short time and comforted one another.