S-N Editorial

Hearts are heavy across the region due to massive flooding that brought untold levels of damage in Rock Valley, Spencer and elsewhere. Recovery will take years, and there's little folks can do but lend a helping hand right now.

The sky was a geyser late last month. More than a foot of rain fell in some parts, which is obviously more than our ground, streams, creeks and rivers can handle. The deluge led to record flooding that displaced thousands of people. Homes were destroyed, businesses shuttered and hearts were broken.

Still, the region has shown resolve. The spirit of community has been strong in places like Rock Valley and Spencer, where a cohesive effort was the only option when people needed to be evacuated. Boats were recruited along with every other vehicle imaginable to help get people to safety. While property may have been destroyed, lives were indeed saved by the selfless efforts of strangers helping strangers.

Locally, floodwaters inundated Hartley and Everly June 21-22. Though it wasn't nearly as bad as it was to the east and west, people faced extensive damage to their homes – some basements even collapsed. Through it all, our community spirit proved to be a guiding light as the treacherous waters raged. Emergency personnel, city staff and other volunteers put their best foot forward during a difficult time, and local residents should be grateful for their efforts. There will be a time to reflect and look at ways to improve during future emergencies, but they did the best they could during an extremely stressful time, often sacrificing the wellbeing of their own homes in the process. We were on our own when the waters rose and they helped keep it all together the best they could.

The thought of moving forward for the communities affected by the flood's onslaught is daunting. There is so much damage, and cleanup will take months. The rebuilding process will take years and it's logical to assume many people won't bother. Who can blame them? Experts say this sort of thing is going to keep happening because of our warming climate. It's unlikely mitigation efforts will totally save us from Mother Nature's wrath, too – Rock Valley tried that with a levee following 2018's floods. It was breeched last month only six years later.

As is the case with most challenges in life, the only way is through for people who were affected by last month's horrible events. Many folks in communities both near and far have lent a helping hand in some form – be it by donations of money, food and goods, or by actually helping in Spencer, Rock Valley and elsewhere. The damage has been heartbreaking, but the response has helped put those shattered pieces back together.

The Hawkeye State has taken it on the nose this year. First it was devastating tornadoes in central Iowa, now it's massive flooding in the northwest corner. We can only hope the rains ease and Mother Nature calms down – we aren't in control here. In the meantime, we can be thankful we live in a region where people look out for one another when the going gets tough. Times are undoubtedly difficult right now, but we've got to count our blessings when they come.