In less than a week, most of the state has been inundated with rain. This deluge has resulted in massive flooding through the 26th District and most of Missouri. It is important to remember the extreme danger that floods present, both during the crisis and clean-up.
On Saturday, Governor Greitens declared a state of emergency in response to this danger. The National Guard has been activated, and volunteers are helping where they can. In addition, state and federal agencies are offering support, supplies, and guidance.
Some flooding in Missouri shattered records over a 100 years old. In the 26th District, the records broken are not over a 100 years old, but they are still new records. They are:
- Meramec River near Steelville, previous record: July 27, 1998; and
- Meramec River near Eureka, previous record: Dec. 30, 2015.
The Meramec was at 36.5 feet on May 1 in Sullivan; that’s more than four feet above the previous record set in December 1982. This measurement was taken before an additional three inches of rain fell on May 3.
This flooding creates many dangers. As of today, there have been five flood-related deaths across the state. Further, please try to reduce or stop driving during this weather. Driving in floodwaters is not only dangerous because of the current but also because the roadway may have been washed away.
As always, anyone who needs emergency assistance should dial 911.
When the waters begin to recede, there will be a great need for assistance. Please reach out to the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) for assistance with grants and emergency response; the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for federal assistance programs; the American Red Cross for shelter information in the district; the Treasurer’s Office for short-term, emergency disaster relief and the Attorney General’s Office to prevent scam artists from taking advantage of those in need.
The following are additional resources to help:
- Local emergency management, including flood plain administrators click here, dps.mo.gov/county/;
- American Red Cross Shelter Locator is available at 1-866-GET-INFO, or online at redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery/find-an-open-shelter;
- United Way 2-1-1 or online at 211.org/;
- Attorney General’s office to report consumer fraud: 1-800-392-8222;
- Information on road closures, go to http://traveler.modot.org/map/; and
- Always call 911 in case of an emergency.
A Missouri-based small business and disaster relief program may also be beneficial in the coming days. The Harmed-area Emergency Loan Priority system (HELP) authorizes 24-hour approval of support for low-interest loans obtained through participating lenders. HELP is administered through the Missouri Linked Deposit Program.
Be sure to follow the advice of local law enforcement for when it is safe to return to your homes. For more clean-up information, visit: http://health.mo.gov/living/environment/floodrecovery/cleanup.php.
Thank you for reading this weekly column. Please contact my office at (573) 751-3678 if you have any questions.