Flooding

Action comes after severe weather moved through the state overnight

May 30, 2008 -- DES MOINES – Today, Iowa Governor Chet Culver has issued a disaster proclamation for Dubuque and Marion Counties following a series of severe storms that moved through the state last night.

Flooding in Ames, Iowa, May 30, 2008: Photo by Sarah Serendipity (CC)

"For the second time in less than a week, severe storms have once again hit our state," said Governor Culver. "State government stands ready to do its part to help those individuals in Dubuque and Marion Counties who have been affected by these storms.”    » read more »

May 27, 2008 -- President Bush signs a Major Declaration for the state of Iowa (Butler County) for Individual Assistance, emergency protective measures, limited to Direct Federal Assistance, and Hazard Mitigation statewide within hours after receiving the Governor’s request for an expedited declaration. FEMA continues to monitor the severe storms and tornadoes across the nation and work with federal, state and local partners to identify needs and resources needed to respond to respond to them.

Region 7/Iowa:

* FEMA Liaison deployed to State EOC.
* Mobile Disaster Recovery Center (MDRC) deploying to Parkersburg, IA from Joplin, MO to provide a command and control platform for FEMA responders.    » read more »

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 27, 2008 -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal disaster aid has been made available for Iowa to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding beginning on May 25, 2008, and continuing.

FEMA Administrator David Paulison said the assistance was authorized under a major disaster declaration issued for the state by President Bush. The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Butler County.    » read more »

May 27, 2008 -- Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Bush's major disaster declaration issued for Iowa.

Assistance for Affected Individuals and Families Can Include as Required:

* Rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable. Initial assistance may be provided for up to three months for homeowners and at least one month for renters. Assistance may be extended if requested after the initial period based on a review of individual applicant requirements. (Source: FEMA funded and administered.)    » read more »

May 23, 2008 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today visited Aroostook County for the fourth time since the area was hit by severe flooding earlier this month.

“It takes time for communities to recover from a natural disaster,” Governor Baldacci said. “The process has begun, but it’s far from over. All of Maine wants to make sure the folks hurt by the flooding know that we will not forget their struggles and stand ready to help.”

Today Governor Baldacci visited Fort Kent, Soldier Pond, Wallagrass, Portage and Island Falls during the trip. On Tuesday, the governor visited flood-damaged areas in Penobscot County.    » read more »

May 13, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, DC—“I am pleased that the Senate has come together in a bipartisan manner to do the right thing for Americans who face the tragic effects of flood damage in their homes and communities. Over 140,000 New Yorkers are covered by the National Flood Insurance Program, and today’s action is an important step in ensuring that this protection remains intact.

Flooding in Lindenhurst, New York: Photo by bloomsday616 (CC)    » read more »

May 13, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama today released the following statement on the Senate's passage of the Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007 (H.R. 3121). Senator Obama voted in favor of the measure, which passed by a vote of 92 to 6.

Barack Obama: Photo courtesy Barack Obama campaign

"Every year, tens of thousands of homeowners and businesses throughout the country suffer from catastrophic flooding, and we must do everything we can to ensure they can recover as quickly as possible. I am proud the Senate passed this legislation today, which makes important improvements to the National Flood Insurance Program.    » read more »

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., April 9, 2008 -- Federal disaster aid programs provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are available under a presidential disaster declaration to eligible residents living in Baxter, Benton, Independence, Jackson, Lawrence, Logan, Madison, Marion, Randolph, Stone and Woodruff.

Arkansas River Flooding: Photo by dewonn43 / David (CC)

If you don't have access to your home or the place you rented is uninhabitable because of flooding that occurred in March and April, you may request reimbursement for temporary housing. FEMA is making every effort to locate possible rental resources in or around disaster-stricken areas.    » read more »