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Posted May 4, 2024
Posted by Public Relations
Pottawattamie County, Iowa – Assessments on damage across Pottawattamie County continue, following the severe weather events of April 26th. Assessments are a continual process but are beginning to validate the full scope of the tornado damage.
Current estimates include some level of damage experienced by owners of 302 homes and businesses in the county. Early projections estimate the destruction as totaling approximately $20,916,438 worth of damage, with an estimated $12,213,237 worth of property damage in Minden, including some estimates to county or municipal infrastructure.
Property damage by the numbers, excluding public infrastructure (As of 5/4/24):
Multi-Agency Resource Center Brings Service Providers Together for Disaster Survivors
Over twenty human service agencies came together in Minden on Saturday, May 4th, for the Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC). The MARC operates as a one-stop shop assistance center for disaster information and service delivery. Assistance is available for a variety of needs including health and mental services, temporary housing, legal services, and more.
The MARC is open to all Pottawattamie County residents impacted by the tornado outbreak, and will operate again on Sunday, May 5th.
Efforts to establish future MARCs are being coordinated, with possible locations in Crecent, Treynor, and Council Bluffs.
Infrastructure Stabilization Continues in Minden
Power has been restored to all homes and businesses capable of receiving in Minden. The State of Iowa partnered with the City of Minden to obtain contract services for a temporary water treatment plant and a debris removal contract that will expedite recovery.
Installation of the temporary water treatment plant began Friday, May 3rd. Officials are hopeful the plant is fully operational in the coming days. State contracted work for debris removal in Minden will begin Monday, May 6th.
Other Resources Available to County Residents
Free tree debris drop-off site. Only vegetative debris will be accepted. Loads including scrap metal, lumber, and other material will be denied.
Currently, all communities in the county have received sufficient donations of household items. Disaster survivors can access these resources from multiple locations.
How Can I Help?
Officials continue to express gratitude for the incredible support received since the disaster. Volunteer groups have offered an incredible resource over the last week. To place volunteers where they’re most needed, officials are asking individuals interested in assisting to use the volunteer portal at sharegoodiowa.org. Agency partners will connect with volunteers and orchestrate efforts.
Needs for individuals and families vary greatly as they navigate the process to recovery. Monetary donations allow flexibility in meeting these needs. The Community Foundation for Western Iowa has established a Southwest Iowa Emergency Relief Fund to support areas impacted throughout the region. A separate fund has been established for the community of Minden. Avenues to give to these funds are available at GiveWesternIowa.org.
Report Damage
With the governor’s request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration, Pottawattamie County officials are emphasizing the importance of residential and business property owners submitting their damages to the Pottawattamie County Emergency Management website. The reports provide vital information that support the request for federal assistance to homeowners and business owners. The damage reporting portal can be accessed at pcema-ia.org.
About Pottawattamie County Emergency Management: Emergency management protects communities by coordinating and integrating all activities necessary to build, sustain, and improve the capability to mitigate against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from threatened or actual natural disasters, acts of terrorism, or other man-made disasters. For more information, visit pcema-ia-org.
