Iowa Evacuations Continue, Floodwaters Rise

More than 400 city blocks were submerged as of late Friday and residents were asked to limit water usage to drinking only.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (MCT) - Surging, rising rivers tormented Iowans Friday, forcing thousands of people to flee in Des Moines and already flooded Cedar Rapids and leaving parts of Iowa City under water, with volunteers trying to save in the University of Iowa library.

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, a city of more than 120,000 people, remains in the throes of unprecedented flooding with the swollen Cedar River covering downtown and other areas. More than 400 city blocks were submerged as of late Friday and residents were asked to limit water usage to drinking only. The city's Web site warned that drivers on Interstate Highway 380, the main north-south road, must stay out of the left lane because it is being reserved for emergency vehicles only.

Other highways in Iowa were water-covered and one segment of Interstate Highway 80 was closed east of Iowa City, forcing many drivers to make lengthy detours. Officials anticipate additional closures as the flood waters continue to rise.

In Des Moines, the state capital, residents were asked around noon to voluntarily leave downtown and other areas. Water levels on the Des Moines River were close to the top of the levee, though later reports indicated that the water may be near its peak. Parts of downtown were completely submerged.

"This has been a very trying week for our state," Iowa Gov. Chet Culver said in a statement. "Responding to a crisis like this takes the cooperation of everyone, from the federal government down to the local communities."

The Federal Emergency Management Agency granted a Presidential Disaster Declaration for six additional counties for individual assistance, and 11 additional counties for public assistance, according to Culver.

FEMA teams are on the ground in six states across the Midwest, according to its Web site. The Red Cross is also busy, supplying temporary shelter, food and water to the displaced. Their efforts are expected to ramp up in Iowa City in the coming days as water levels are expected to keep rising.

In Coralville just outside Iowa City, the main road was shut down with standing water. Several hotels have been shuttered with water overtaking the parking lots.

The University of Iowa, a major force in Iowa City, canceled classes through next week as officials grapple with a flood that threatens the campus, including dorms, research facilities, the main library and the art museum. Some 10,500 students are enrolled for summer classes.

University President Sally Mason said 19 buildings could face water damage and that some are already flooded. She had no estimate for potential damages.

"A lot of people are coming down to see the river," Mason said. "But it would be helpful if they stayed home."

Staff members were asked to stay away from campus unless they are involved in patient care, utilities, security, facilities or other essential services. But Mason also made a plea for volunteers to help bring books to higher ground.

She said the university spent days protecting artwork from the museum, which is closed until further notice. Workers already removed precious paintings and sculptures, including works by Jackson Pollock and Pablo Picasso.

Donald Guckert, associate vice president and director of facilities management, said university officials did not anticipate the water levels they found Friday morning.

"We had a plan for today that was built on a river level that was two feet lower," he said at a press conference Friday afternoon. "The levels are unimaginable."

Guckert said officials are now focused on keeping the hospital, clinics and utility infrastructure intact.

Their concerns are many. The university, known for its efforts in research, is worried about sensitive projects that might be ruined with even a brief loss of power.

"We are racing against time and water," Guckert said, adding that the university's utility tunnels have three feet of water in them.

If the flooding continues, cold water could reach the hot steam pipes, shutting them down. University officials are asking the community to curb its use of electric and water.

The University of Iowa hospital, which draws patients from around Iowa and neighboring states, remained open with a full surgical schedule, according Jean Robillard, the university's vice president of medical affairs. The hospital has 680 beds and is filled up to 95 percent most days.

University officials remained confident that the hospital is not in jeopardy.

The hospital gets its electrical energy from the university and officials said they have several plans for alternative sources if the power is cut. Robillard said the hospital's clinics will remain open, but only on a "semi-emergency" basis. Patients seeking routine check-ups may be asked to reschedule.

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© 2008, Chicago Tribune.