Another round of flooding expected to impact Iowa; some displaced still without homes
Some residents of Fremont County are still out of their homes, staying at Waubonsie State Park
Some residents of Fremont County are still out of their homes, staying at Waubonsie State Park
Some residents of Fremont County are still out of their homes, staying at Waubonsie State Park
Trailers and tents were scattered around the campgrounds of Waubonsie State Park on Wednesday.
It’s been more than six months since the flooding began in Iowa, and some residents of Fremont County are still out of their homes, staying at the park free of charge.
"We still have six campsites occupied, so less than 15 people still living here," said park manager Matt Moles.
At one point this spring, Moles said there were 75 displaced flood victims living on the campgrounds.
Flooding continues to be a concern, with parts of Fremont County still underwater or unlivable.
"It’s just been a wild ride. That’s all I can say. It’s been a wild ride, and right now, I don’t see any end in sight at this point," said Fremont County Emergency Management Director Mike Crecelius.
Crecelius said the Missouri River will rise to 22 feet by Friday but should stay under the threshold of the repaired levees near Percival and Hamburg.
"I don’t believe we will have to ask anybody to evacuate because, No. 1, in a lot of those places, there’s nobody back out there yet," Crecelius said.
More rain in the forecast could potentially cause problems along the Nishnabotna River. While the park is open to evacuees, that will end by mid-October.
"That's when we shut down our facilities to keep things from freezing up in the wintertime. It’s not that we’re trying to kick people out, it’s just that it’ll no longer be a livable situation because the campground is not set up for wintertime occupancy," Moles said.
A few residents who were displaced are from Hamburg and are still looking for a place to go once the Oct. 15th deadline hits.