This week 1,115 Iowa homes were damaged by flooding, according to the Iowa Emergency Management Division. Three hundred people were evacuated from their homes. We continue to be in close contact with emergency management leaders in the affected states. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance reported that, in most cases, floodgates and dikes have helped minimize severe flooding but added that impact cannot be fully known until the water has receded. Meanwhile stress continued to be high for residents along the Mississippi.
Many residents have vivid memories of past severe floods.
Generally throughout the region there are preparations for worst-case scenarios and high hopes for the best. People are experiencing enormous emotional and spiritual stress. But CWS added that the impact on the most vulnerable residents of the communities at risk is not yet clear. CWS volunteers have been in contact with other voluntary organizations in region to assess the situation. LDR has also been in contact with local responding groups.