COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (KMTV) — The Pottawattamie County Emergency Management Agency is continuing to urge people in rural areas to evacuate due to flooding concerns.
They released the following:
Pottawattamie County Officials continue to encourage residents in rural areas unprotected by levees along the Missouri River to voluntarily evacuate. Voluntary evacuations are based on expected inundation of flood waters later today and over the next week. Missouri waters are anticipated to reach 32’ later today which would cut off access to areas north of Council Bluffs to Harrison County and west of I-29. Additionally, some residents south of Council Bluffs along and west of I-29 south to Mills County could also be impacted by encroaching waters.
Flood waters impacting several roads in the areas described will be completely inaccessible making any essential and emergency services to those areas delayed and near impossible to reach. The American Red Cross continues to operate a shelter for displaced residents affected by the flood at Salem United Methodist Church at 14955 Somerset Avenue, Council Bluffs, Iowa.
Although most of the resident in the described areas have already self-evacuated, those remaining are encouraged to follow suit. The last sweeps of the identified areas are being conducted today as access allow.
Anyone evacuating to a shelter should bring essential items for each member of the family, including:
• Prescriptions and emergency medications • Foods that meet unusual dietary requirements
• Identification to show residence is in affected area and important personal documents
• Extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies and other comfort items
• Supplies needed for children and infants, such as diapers, formula and toys
• Special items for family members who are elderly or disabled
