Iowa tornado: Pottawattamie County provides updates on damage, resources
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (WOWT) - Pottawattamie County officials say assessments on damage are still being completed following last week’s tornado outbreak.
The county estimates some 302 homes and businesses sustained at least some form of damage; of those, 259 are said to be residential properties, and 43 commercial. Early projections total the damages at a little under $21 million. Of that amount, about $12.2 million is estimated between 194 properties in Minden, which includes some estimates to county or city infrastructure.
TORNADO RECOVERY
How to help — and find help
Here are ways you can assist those in Nebraska and Iowa who are recovering from tornadoes that hit on Friday, April 26.
Where to dispose of debris from recent storms
Several debris collection sites are available in Douglas and Washington counties.
The Salvation Army and other agencies have established a Multi-Agency Resource Center in Minden at the United Church of Christ as a “one-stop shop” for residents in need of temporary housing, health services, and other needs. The MARC is open to all county residents impacted by the tornado outbreak. It will be open again Sunday afternoon from 1 to 4 p.m. Efforts are being made to establish future centers of this type, possibly in Crescent, Treynor, and Council Bluffs.
In Minden, power has been restored to all structures capable of receiving. The state has partnered with the city to obtain contract services for debris removal and a temporary water treatment plant to help with recovery efforts. Installation of the water treatment plant began Friday; officials hope to have it online in the coming days. Some contracted debris removal work will begin Monday.
A free tree debris drop-off site remains open at 145th Street and Rosewood Road, formerly the KOA Campground, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through June 2, with the exception of Memorial Day. Only vegetation debris is accepted; loads including building material and the like will be denied.
The county says all impacted communities have received sufficient donations of essential items. Those needing to pick items up may do so at four locations: Crescent City Hall, the Neola Area Community Center, the Charles E. Lakin Foundation building in Council Bluffs, and Treynor City Hall.
For those wishing to help, officials ask you use the volunteer portal on Share Iowa’s website. Agency partners will get you in touch with those in charge of volunteer efforts.
Monetary donations are being accepted through the Southwest Iowa Emergency Relief Fund, which can be found on the Community Foundation for Western Iowa’s website. A separate fund has been established for the city of Minden.
To report damage, you may do so through the Pottawattamie County Emergency Management website.
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