Press Release Archive
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Lt. Governor Judge Updates Flooding And Tornado Response
(Johnston)- Today, Lt. Governor Patty Judge, Homeland Security Emergency Management Administrator Dave Miller and Adjutant General Ron Dardis with the Iowa National Guard held a press briefing with reporters at the Joint Forces Headquarters (formerly STARC Armory) in Johnston to update flooding and tornado response.
- A deadly tornado struck the Little Sioux Scout Ranch in Monona County Wednesday night. Four boys were killed in the tornado and dozens of scouts were injured. The tornado hit at 7:00 p.m.
- The state of Iowa grieves with the families whose children died and continues to pray for those who are hospitalized and recovering from their injuries.
- 55 counties are under the Governor’s emergency disaster proclamation. Monona, where the tornado hit and Muscatine Counties are the most recent additions
- Seven total weather-related deaths have been reported since Sunday, June 8, 2008.
- The first fatality occurred on Sunday, June 8, 2008 in Hamilton County when a car hydroplaned and the driver lost control.
- On Tuesday, June 10, 2008, a Wright County farmer went out to check his property and was swept away by flood waters. His body was recovered later that day.
- Wednesday, June 11, 2008 a man was killed when he was struck by lightning in Curlew in Palo Alto County and Wednesday night’s tornado claimed four lives.
- The four counties of Butler, Black Hawk, Buchanan and Delaware have been declared Presidential disaster areas.
- Iowa National Guard was mobilized Wednesday, June 11, 2008.
• More than 2100 guard members are currently on volunteer mobilized status.
• 60 Missions have been completed by the Iowa National Guard since Wednesday.
• Rapid Assessment teams have been deployed to the SE Counties of Lee, Des Moines, Henry, Wapello and Van Buren to identify critical infrastructure that would be impacted by the flood.
- The federal government is providing support to the people of Iowa. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff came to Iowa today, met with Governor Culver to tour tornado and flood damage.
- Tomorrow, Thursday, June 13, 2008, Governor Culver and members of Iowa’s Congressional Delegation will be joined Federal Emergency Management Administrator R. David Paulison to tour flooded areas in central and eastern Iowa.
- Areas of interest:
• Cedar Rapids/Linn County-
o Significant evacuations at nearly 4000
o The Cedar River is currently 28 ½ feet.
o Very close to losing their water. They have lost 3 of their 4 storage pool wells. The Water team is already in place and working on this issue. We are preparing to handle the water need via local resources in the initial phases and work on FEMA procurement for sustainment.
• Iowa City-
o East of Iowa City near Tipton, preparations are being made to close Interstate 80 at mile marker 267 at around 8:00 tonight. Traffic will be diverted. Motorist should call 511 for information.
o Crest expected Tuesday or Wednesday of next week several feet about record flood levels.
o Verifying flooding impact models from the Corps of Engineers.
o Resident there should brace for evacuations.
o The Armory will be compromised and will relocate to nearby Washington, Iowa.
• Monona County- Extensive tornado damage
• Des Moines-
o Birdland Marina area is being evacuated
o The National Guard is sandbagging near the Birdland Marina.
o Public Works crews throughout Polk County are monitoring the levee systems and water levels around the clock to provide advance notice as it relates to potential flood conditions.
Flood Facts
* Since Sunday, more than 1000 Department of Transportation employees are currently responding to this flood.
* Since Sunday, more than 130 members of the Iowa State Patrol are assisting local law enforcement protect public safety.
* Since Sunday, more than 2,000,000 (million) sand bags have been used to protect Iowa cities from flood waters.
* There are currently 10 Red Cross Shelters set up across the state.
* More than 1,365,000 bottles of water have been distributed to people in communities where their water treatment plants were compromised.
* 61 pumps have been deployed to communities who’ve lost power.
* A veterinarian response team is being formed to facilitate sheltering and care of displaced animals in Linn County, where as many as 80 animals were evacuated from shelters and another 150 to 200 needed sheltering.
* Portable lights capable of illuminating a two mile area were delivered to Des Moines County so sandbagging the City of Oakville could continue into the night.
* Civil air patrol provided an aerial assessment of river and flood conditions from Vinton along the Cedar River to the Duane Arnold Energy Center to give city and state officials an accurate picture of flood damage.
* Urban Search and Rescue Team was dispatched to the Little Sioux Scout Ranch in response to the tragic tornado last night that claimed the lives of four young boys.
* State conservation officers have been dispatched to places like Iowa City to rescue stranded residents. Staff and vehicles were dispatched to Black Hawk County to evacuate 25 residents of the Grand Hotel.
Other Information
• There are rumors floating around. One that’s come to our attention is that Iowa hospitals are closing. This is not true. All Iowa hospitals are open and operating. Iowa hospitals have plans in place to stay open, which is a priority or relocate if necessary.
• Public safety is our most important priority. Lives are more important than property.
• This continues to be a serious and ongoing flooding event.
• Pay attention to local media and heed all warnings and evacuation orders.
• If you live in a low lying area, listen for shelter information.
• Many roads are closed. Please pay attention to all road signs, follow detours, do not cross roads covered with water. Call 511 if you come across a road that’s under water.
• Although this is a challenging situation, we have full state and federal resources and are supporting local emergency management responders.
• Thank you to all volunteers who’ve helped sandbag, pump water out of basements, check on neighbors and deliver supplies.
• Iowans can count on each other in times of crisis.