Midwest Disaster Information
Federal, state and local response operations continue in the Midwest, with anticipated flooding to carry into Illinois and Missouri as the Mississippi River is expected to crest this week. The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is coordinating the federal response to support states impacted by tornados and floods in Iowa, Indiana, Missouri, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. Since June 6, the storms and floods have killed 24 people and injured 148. Iowa has been the hardest hit by flood waters so far, with more than 38,600 evacuees, $1.5 billion in estimated damages and 83 counties declared state-disaster areas.
In addition to the devastating loss of businesses and residencies, recent storms, tornadoes and floods have destroyed many crops throughout the nation’s “bread basket.” Flood waters have also forced the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to close 200 miles of the Mississippi River, delaying agriculture and cargo ships which use the river route as a primary thoroughfare.
Storm damage is wide-spread, and will be felt long after flood waters crest. Lack of shelter, food and safe drinking water is coupled with long-term concerns over cleanup and rising food prices.
How to Help
If your company is interested in making donations or assisting in disaster relief efforts, both Iowa and Indiana have established AidMatrix portals to manage donations. For more information, click here for Iowa and here for Indiana. Alternatively, if you would like to extended help at the national level, click here for FEMA’s national AidMatrix portal.
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