In less than a week most of the state has been inundated with rain. The inches of rain that fell in a matter of few hours, each day, have resulted in massive flooding throughout the 33rd District and most of Missouri. It is important to remember the extreme danger floods present, both during the crisis and during clean-up.
Last weekend, the rains began and seemed as though they may never stop. It was during that first weekend of rain that on April 30 the governor declared a state of emergency because of flooding across Missouri. On Thursday, May 4, the governor visited West Plains.
During his visit he noted the strength and efforts of all in the community in the wake of the flooding.
Already, record flooding has been observed in several locations. Some locations in southern Missouri shattered record crests that had stood for over 100 years.
- Illinois River near Watts, Oklahoma, previous record: Dec. 28, 2015;
- Big Piney at Ft. Leonard Wood, previous record: March 19, 2008;
- Current River at Doniphan, previous record: March 1, 1904;
- Current River at Van Buren, previous record: March 26, 1904;
- Jacks Fork at Eminence, previous record: Nov. 15, 1993;
- Meramec River near Steelville, previous record: July 27, 1998;
- Meramec River near Sullivan, previous record: Aug. 1, 1915;
- Meramec River near Eureka, previous record: Dec. 30, 2015; and
- North Fork White River near Tecumseh, previous record: Aug. 1, 1915.
On May 1, in Doniphan, the Current River reached an unprecedented 15 feet above the level at which “water begins to flood homes”, according to the National Weather Service.
First, those who need emergency assistance should always dial 911. Remember the saying “Don’t drown – turn around.” This flood disaster is no different from others. There have been several water rescues in the 33rd District and a total of five flood-related deaths across the state. Not only is driving in floodwaters dangerous because of the current, but also because in some cases the roadway has been washed away. According to the West Plains Daily Quill, an estimated 70 water rescues have been conducted in the area. Please avoid entering flood waters for any reason. The risk is too great.
As the waters begin to recede the need for assistance will be great. Please reach out to the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) for assistance with grants, emergency response, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for federal assistance programs; 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 resources to help through the floods and clean-up when the water recedes:
- 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.
As the water begins to recede, clean-up will begin. Be sure to follow the advice of local law enforcement regarding the safe to return to your homes. For more clean-up information, visit: http://health.mo.gov/living/environment/floodrecovery/cleanup.php.
As always, I appreciate it when groups from around Missouri and from our community back home come to visit me at the Capitol. If you would like to arrange a time to come and visit me in Jefferson City, or if you ever have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact my Capitol office at (573) 751-1882.