Into the Second Week~

The worst of the huge crest of water, from what I've heard, came in late on Saturday night the 16th & into Sunday morning...  No one had any idea it would be as terrifying awful... 

This Monday, I had an appointment north of Omaha.  It was the first time I'd been out to see what the flooding looked like.  As we turned off I-34 & on to the ramp of I-29, the campground came into view...  Water had been more than half-way up the sides of the RV's.

Campground

On our way back, I had the views to the west.  Word is that the water is receding, slowly...

Southbound side of I-29

It looks like miles & miles of lake...

Photo - Silver Cloud Photography - March 24th

A large horse facility near Pacific Junction...

Silver Cloud Photography

Silver Cloud Photography

The destruction is now starting to show above the water.

Silver Cloud Photography

Meanwhile, in town, everyone is pitching in. The sign-in page for volunteers is full all the way to the first of June. 

The Mills County Storehouse

 At the Storehouse, our local food bank & thrift shop, donations are overflowing.  Now, the YMCA is taking donations & volunteers are cooking meals for everyone displaced.

(Thanks to Silver Cloud Photography for making these images available to the public.)

Interstate 29

The loss to the farmers will be immeasurable.  I was speaking with a lady today who had lived on the same farm since childhood.  She said the flood of 52 only brought water to the bottom step of the house.  Now, the farm is under water..

 Pets have been found floating on pieces of boards.  Several animal rescue organizations have come in to help.  They are hampered by the dangerous conditions that include pollution, floating propane tanks etc.

Pumper trucks have moved in to start pulling the water from areas where it's now trapped.  The weather has stayed mild, a blessing, but we have a forecast of rain & possible snow over the next few days, combined with high winds.

 It seems as if we've fallen off the national radar...  What was news a few days ago, is evidentially old news now.  For so many, who've lost so much, it's finding solace from friends & family.  Our community has come together & everyone is pitching in...  It's heartbreaking to hear the stories each day.  Recovery will be a long process...