Iowa Governor Terry E. Branstad declared a proclamation of disaster emergency for Cedar, Lyon, Plymouth, Pocahontas, and Sioux counties due to overnight storms across the area.
“The Governor’s proclamation allows state resources to be utilized to prepare for, respond to and recover from the effects of storms and flooding. These resources may be used for flood protection or the removal of debris on publicly-owned or privately-owned land that may threaten public health and safety.”
The press release also indicates that aid has already sent assistance to those in northwest Iowa. Lyon county has received three 3-inch pumps (two for Rock Rapids and one for George) as well as traffic control support from the Iowa Department of Public Safety. Many sandbags were also given out, Plymouth county received 20,000 sandbags, Pocahontas received 10,000, and Sioux County received 250,000. Also in Sioux County, sand was given to Rock Valley from the Iowa DOT, and the urban search and rescue team is helping to assist with rescues needed in the county.
“The State Emergency Operations Center is now partially staffed, and the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the Governor’s Office continue to closely monitor the situation.”
Both Branstad and the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department said that they will survey damage in Lyon and Sioux counties tomorrow, June 18, 2014, beginning at 11:30 am in Rock Rapids. They will also be going to other areas; a full schedule is listed below.
Flooding has caused a plethora of issues across northwest Iowa. In Rock Rapids, the water treatment plant was shut down due to flooding, and officials are working with Pepsi, who may donate drinking water to the community. With additional flooding expected along the Rock River, Sioux county emergency management officials are beginning to take precautions due to the major flooding expected additionally from the Rock River. Bridges all across the area are also washed out.
Courtesy Office of Terry Branstad