Authorities conducted about 250 water rescues on Saturday. Photo by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds/X
June 23 (UPI) — Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds on Sunday asked President Joe Biden to quickly issue a disaster declaration for about 20 counties in the state after the state was devastated by severe storms and widespread flooding that began on Friday.
The Republican governor has requested federal aid for 22 counties, according to a statement from the governor's office.
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Reynolds said at a news conference Sunday that the affected areas were primarily in northwest Iowa, with some areas receiving up to 15 inches of rain since Friday, and warned residents in southern Iowa that rivers could soon flood as well.
The National Weather Service said recent heavy rains have caused widespread community and river flooding in the Upper Des Moines and Cedar River basins.
“I can safely say the damage is severe and widespread,” Reynolds said. “The response is just beginning, but the expected damage is significant.”
An estimated 1,900 homes were damaged and hundreds destroyed, she said. 1,000 people were evacuated overnight. About 250 water rescues were carried out on Saturday alone, she added.
“Businesses are closed, major streets are affected, hospitals, nursing homes and other care facilities have been evacuated, cities are without power and some are without potable water,” she said.
She said the flooding had caused the river to rise several feet higher than the historic flood of 1993. She explained that 16 flood gauges had recorded record highs over the weekend.
Ten water systems and 21 sewer systems were also affected by flooding.
But as floodwaters begin to recede and river levels in the north drop, she said southern Iowa residents should prepare for river levels to reach their highest levels.
“It's not over yet,” she said.
Iowa Emergency Management Director John Benson reiterated that the state is experiencing “very significant flooding” with “no signs of letting up.”
“It's going to be statewide,” he said.
The National Weather Service said Sunday that more severe storms were possible again Monday night and Tuesday.
