In the midst of a sweltering heatwave across the United States, the Midwest has been ravaged by devastating floods, leaving a trail of destruction and loss of life. At least two people have died as a result of the widespread flooding, which has affected over 3 million people across South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota.
As the region braces for more rainfall and storms this week, flood warnings remain in place, with officials scrambling to respond to the escalating crisis. On Sunday, a key railroad bridge connecting Iowa and South Dakota collapsed, adding to the growing list of infrastructure damage.
Among the victims of the flooding is William Schulze, a 75-year-old man from Elburn, Illinois, who lost his life on Sunday while attempting to drive through rapidly rising floodwaters in Iowa. His body was found on Monday, prompting an outpouring of condolences from local authorities.
Governor Kim Reynolds of Iowa declared a disaster emergency proclamation, while President Joe Biden approved federal funding to aid the state’s recovery efforts. Reynolds estimated that at least 1,900 properties have been impacted, with hundreds destroyed, and businesses, hospitals, and care facilities left crippled.
In South Dakota, at least one person has died in the floodwaters, according to Governor Kristi Noem, who has also declared a state of emergency. No additional details about the fatality have been released. Noem emphasized the need for caution, warning that downed power lines, sinkholes, and other hazards make it too dangerous for families to attempt to retrieve their belongings without proper assistance.
US Floodwaters RiseMeanwhile, in Minnesota, a dam on the Blue Earth River partially collapsed on Tuesday, prompting state officials to warn of imminent failure. The rapid water surge has eroded riverbanks, causing at least one house to collapse into the river, and leaving over 600 households without power.
Governor Tim Walz declared a peacetime state of emergency, authorizing the deployment of the National Guard to aid in the flood response efforts. He acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating, “This is an extremely challenging time… But we have rebuilt before, and alongside our local and federal partners, we will rebuild again.”
Today, Congressman Brad Finstad met with the mayor of Jackson, Minnesota, to assess the situation in the city, where water levels on the Des Moines River are expected to crest at over 16 feet today.