flooding

Lee Rood, Des Moines Register watchdog columnist, shares her reporting on the Polk County administrator on administrative leave, the latest in a long period of tensions at the county.

Six months after floods in northwest Iowa destroyed hundreds of homes, life remains unsettled for many residents of Rock Valley. Some seek normalcy as city leaders quickly work to keep people from moving away for good.

Local governments and the state face a challenge in how to pay for damage from historic high water. Leaders in one small community hope to find a way to fill an expected gap in funding and also improve the overall economic outlook.

Four months after historic flooding forced hundreds from their homes in Rock Valley, work is underway to provide more long-term housing for those still displaced.

The deadline for Iowans impacted by historic flooding to apply for individual federal assistance from FEMA ends soon. This includes 16 counties, mainly on the western side of the state, and Scott County in eastern Iowa.

The Little Sioux River reached unprecedented levels in late June, forcing the evacuation of several residents of Correctionville. More than three months later, some in the northwest Iowa community continue to seek assistance.

High water ravaged the community of Spencer in June. Even though many properties sustained damage, the Clay County Fair thrived.

Residents of Sioux City’s Riverside neighborhood still face a long road to recovery but appreciate the assistance provided by the federal and state government, as well as local volunteers.

Volunteers in Spencer rallied around their community after severe flooding

It’s been an active season for tornadoes and flooding in the Midwest due to various factors like hot and cold jet streams and climate change. This could create lasting public health challenges.