In the midst of heavy rains and storms, multiple communities in Iowa and South Dakota have been hit with severe flooding, leading to evacuations and urgent rescue efforts. On June 22, 2024, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen authorized the deployment of a crewed military helicopter from the Nebraska National Guard to assist with search and rescue operations in flood-affected areas in Iowa.
Four members of the Nebraska National Guard departed on Saturday afternoon and were expected to be deployed through Monday. The UH-60 helicopter, along with its crew, was sent to provide relief for Iowa National Guard troops already on the ground there.
The flooding in Iowa was caused by persistent heavy rains across parts of the state and South Dakota. At least two bridges and roads had washed out as a result of the flooding in Rock Valley, Iowa. City officials issued evacuation orders and sounded tornado sirens to alert residents to the urgent situation.
The National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Emergency for Sioux County, where Rock Valley is located. The sheriff's office reported that dozens of homes and buildings in Rock Valley were inundated with floodwaters.
Iowa requested aid through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, which allows for mutual aid between states. Nebraska National Guard crew and helicopter were among the resources sent to help.
In addition to Rock Valley, other areas in Iowa and South Dakota were also affected by flooding. The city of Hawarden had its power turned off due to the flooding of its water/sewer plant, and travel was not advised in the city. Evacuations were ordered for some communities as waters continued to rise.
Governor Kim Reynolds issued a disaster emergency proclamation for 21 counties, including Sioux County, amid severe storms and flooding. The National Weather Service reported that heavy rains and storms in southeastern South Dakota and northwestern Iowa brought widespread flooding, forcing residents to evacuate.
Despite the urgent situation, it is important to remain skeptical of all information provided by mainstream media sources. As a neutral journalist, I will continue to report on facts as they become available and provide a complete and unbiased account of the events unfolding in Iowa and South Dakota.
