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Floods Breach Des Moines Levee

Authorities call for mandatory evacuation of area

By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 14, 2008 11:07 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Floodwaters breached a levee and a temporary barrier today near a residential neighborhood in Des Moines, forcing authorities to call for a mandatory evacuation of 270 homes, the AP reports. “There’s not anything else we can do,” said a city official. Storms throughout the region have killed nine, and officials have cut power service and are bracing for the worst.

“A real wave of water is on the way as we speak,” Iowa’s governor said, while the Des Moines mayor admitted the situation was “a bit overwhelming. This is an endurance competition. We have to be patient.” One resident, whose home was threatened by the floods, stayed positive. “At least we’re high and dry now. I guess we’re fortunate.”

Workers throw sandbags on an emergency levee, Saturday, June 14, 2008, in Des Moines, Iowa. A breach in the levee forced workers to later leave the area.
Workers throw sandbags on an emergency levee, Saturday, June 14, 2008, in Des Moines, Iowa. A breach in the levee forced workers to later leave the area.   (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Des Moines police officers guard a road closure as water flows throw a breach in a levee, Saturday, June 14, 2008, in Des Moines, Iowa.
Des Moines police officers guard a road closure as water flows throw a breach in a levee, Saturday, June 14, 2008, in Des Moines, Iowa.   (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Volunteers fill sandbags in Union Park on Friday, June 13, 2008, in Des Moines, Iowa.
Volunteers fill sandbags in Union Park on Friday, June 13, 2008, in Des Moines, Iowa.   (AP Photo/Kevin Sanders)
Nathan Downey, 9, of Indianola, Iowa, throws a sandbag onto a pile of sandbags in Union Park on Friday, June 13, 2008, in Des Moines, Iowa.
Nathan Downey, 9, of Indianola, Iowa, throws a sandbag onto a pile of sandbags in Union Park on Friday, June 13, 2008, in Des Moines, Iowa.   (AP Photo/Kevin Sanders)
Des Moines police officers walk past a downtown restaurant while warning business owners of a voluntary evacuation.
Des Moines police officers walk past a downtown restaurant while warning business owners of a voluntary evacuation.   (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
MidAmerican Energy workers prepare to work on a power line as water flows through a breach in a levee, Saturday, June 14, 2008, in Des Moines, Iowa.
MidAmerican Energy workers prepare to work on a power line as water flows through a breach in a levee, Saturday, June 14, 2008, in Des Moines, Iowa.   (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
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Floods could cost Iowa $20 billion
New York Times

"It looks like Katrina"
Washington Post

US

 
Iowa • water • Cedar Rapids • flooding • levees • Des Moines

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