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Flood on the down swing in Independence
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| Water was almost up to the top of the openings in the First Street Bridge in Independence as the Wapsipinicon River crested, Wednesday. |
By Jack Swanson
INDEPENDENCE — The Wapsipinicon River in Independence has crested and river levels are expected to start receding soon.
That announcement was made by Buchanan County Emergency Management Thursday, who also said they expect the worse to be over in terms of flooding.
"We feel very fortunate when we look around at some of the other communities that were flooded," said Public Information Officer Brenda Fuller.
Emergency Management personnel commented earlier that Independence residents know the drill when it comes to flooding since the town has had several floods in recent years.
"Right now we don't anticipate any disasters," Fuller commented Thursday.
There was a potential for severe weather throughout the county Thursday evening and flash flooding was possible throughout the county, h owever, officials were not concerned that earlier rainfall was going to affect river levels in Independence.
Residents are being asked to conserve water. It was reported that the wastewater plant is receiving much higher levels of waste water than normal and water conservation will reduce the strain on the system. Residents are being asked not to dump sump pump water into the city sewer system.
The Highway 150 Bridge in Independence continues to be closed and Sixth Avenue Southwest in Independence is closed. It was also reported that County Road V62 from Fairbank to Jesup is closed.
With the reduced routes through Independence, officials are asking that citizens limit travel through town to necessary travel only. They are also asking that sightseers stay home.
Independence residents are being encouraged to watch the local cable channel for updates. Updates will also be submitted to all local media.
Emergency officials and emergency management will be meeting on a regular basis to reassess emergency needs. The city of Lamont is still looking for volunteers. Contact the Buchanan County Extension office at 319-334-7161 to volunteer.
Residents are being asked to stay away from floodwaters and to keep children away from floodwaters.
Officials are telling anyone who has been affected by, or having damage, to call and register with FEMA. According to officials, if you have experienced damage several times, you need to call FEMA for each incident.
Flood information are at Independence City Hall, the Department of Human Services on 1st Street West, Fairbank City Hall, Lamont City Hall, Hazleton City Hall, and the Aurora Comet Center. Bottled water is available at the Independence Fire Department. For flood clean up kit availability, contact your local City Hall.
Farmers can contact Farm Service Agency at 319-334-2543 for federal funding associated with crop losses, inability to plant and any other crop related issues. They do need to register with FEMA at 1-800-621-3362, and contact their personal insurance companies.
That announcement was made by Buchanan County Emergency Management Thursday, who also said they expect the worse to be over in terms of flooding.
"We feel very fortunate when we look around at some of the other communities that were flooded," said Public Information Officer Brenda Fuller.
Emergency Management personnel commented earlier that Independence residents know the drill when it comes to flooding since the town has had several floods in recent years.
"Right now we don't anticipate any disasters," Fuller commented Thursday.
There was a potential for severe weather throughout the county Thursday evening and flash flooding was possible throughout the county, h owever, officials were not concerned that earlier rainfall was going to affect river levels in Independence.
Residents are being asked to conserve water. It was reported that the wastewater plant is receiving much higher levels of waste water than normal and water conservation will reduce the strain on the system. Residents are being asked not to dump sump pump water into the city sewer system.
The Highway 150 Bridge in Independence continues to be closed and Sixth Avenue Southwest in Independence is closed. It was also reported that County Road V62 from Fairbank to Jesup is closed.
With the reduced routes through Independence, officials are asking that citizens limit travel through town to necessary travel only. They are also asking that sightseers stay home.
Independence residents are being encouraged to watch the local cable channel for updates. Updates will also be submitted to all local media.
Emergency officials and emergency management will be meeting on a regular basis to reassess emergency needs. The city of Lamont is still looking for volunteers. Contact the Buchanan County Extension office at 319-334-7161 to volunteer.
Residents are being asked to stay away from floodwaters and to keep children away from floodwaters.
Officials are telling anyone who has been affected by, or having damage, to call and register with FEMA. According to officials, if you have experienced damage several times, you need to call FEMA for each incident.
Flood information are at Independence City Hall, the Department of Human Services on 1st Street West, Fairbank City Hall, Lamont City Hall, Hazleton City Hall, and the Aurora Comet Center. Bottled water is available at the Independence Fire Department. For flood clean up kit availability, contact your local City Hall.
Farmers can contact Farm Service Agency at 319-334-2543 for federal funding associated with crop losses, inability to plant and any other crop related issues. They do need to register with FEMA at 1-800-621-3362, and contact their personal insurance companies.
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