Midwest Flooding: At Least Two Lives Lost and Damages Galore
The Midwest region of the United States has been hit hard by severe flooding in recent days, resulting in at least two fatalities and significant damages. The floods have affected millions of people across Iowa, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Minnesota.
According to reports from various sources including AP News and The Weather Channel,
Two people have lost their lives due to the flooding in the Midwest. One person was reportedly killed in Spencer, Iowa while trying to go around a barricade during heavy rains. Another death occurred in South Dakota, but details regarding this incident are still emerging.
Severe storms with large hail, damaging winds, and possible tornadoes were forecast for western Iowa and eastern Nebraska on Tuesday. The National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings for parts of these states as well as Minnesota.
Flooding has affected over 3 million people in the Midwest. In some areas, up to 18 inches of rain fell between Thursday and Saturday.
The Missouri River is expected to crest at Omaha on Thursday, while the Rapidan Dam in Mankato, Minnesota is at risk of failure due to heavy rains and flooding. The dam is capable of generating six million watts of hydroelectric power.
BNSF Railway reported that a railroad bridge collapsed into the Big Sioux River in North Sioux City, South Dakota. Two homes downstream have already evacuated due to the potential threat posed by the dam failure.
The flooding has caused significant damages across various cities and towns in the Midwest. In North Sioux City, residents were advised to evacuate due to rising floodwaters. The city's mayor, Kendall Sloan, urged residents to take precautions and stay informed about the situation.
Governor Kristi Noem of South Dakota has declared a state of emergency in response to the flooding. She urged residents in affected areas to heed evacuation orders and avoid travel on roads that may be closed due to flooding.
The Midwest floods are just one example of the extreme weather events that have been affecting various parts of the world recently. It is important for individuals and communities to take necessary precautions and stay informed about such events in order to minimize potential damages and losses.
