Parts of the Upper Midwest are facing severe flooding due to heavy rainfall, leaving more than a million people under flood warnings. In Iowa, cities like Rock Valley are experiencing record-level flooding, leading to evacuations and rescues. Governor Kim Reynolds declared a disaster for 21 counties in Iowa, describing the situation as catastrophic.
In South Dakota, torrential rain has caused extensive flooding with some areas receiving up to 18 inches of rain. Governor Kristi Noem warned that the worst flooding is yet to come as water continues to flow downstream and into rivers. The Big Sioux River is expected to reach record levels, posing a significant threat to the state.
Amidst the flooding, parts of the United States are also dealing with a heatwave, leading to a spike in heat-related illnesses in some regions. Cities like Dulles, VA, and Baltimore have broken temperature records, while dangerously hot conditions are forecasted for parts of Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
In Rock Valley, Iowa, the Rock River rose to a record level, prompting emergency evacuation orders for the city’s 4,000 residents. The city is facing challenges with clean water supply due to contamination of wells by floodwaters. Sioux City Fire Rescue has been actively involved in rescuing people and animals stranded in floodwaters, demonstrating the heroic efforts of emergency teams during this crisis.
Further south in Hawarden, Iowa, parts of the city were also evacuated as the flooding continued to wreak havoc. The city, with a population of about 2,000, is grappling with the impact of rising waters. In Sioux Falls, South Dakota, emergency services have been busy rescuing individuals trapped in floodwaters and responding to various water-related incidents and accidents.
The resilience and quick response of emergency teams are crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of those affected by the flooding. As the Midwest continues to battle the aftermath of heavy rainfall, the focus remains on rescuing those in need and providing support to communities facing the brunt of the natural disaster.