NIOBRARA COUNTY FLOOD DISASTER June 3 – July 18, 2015 (and counting)

View of Lusk Wyoming from the North

The flood Incident Command Center was set up at the Niobrara County Fair Grounds on June 4

Aftermath June 10, 2015

Aftermath June 10, 2015

Aftermath June 10, 2015

Aftermath June 10, 2015

Aftermath June 10, 2015

Aftermath June 10, 2015

Aftermath June 10, 2015

Aftermath June 10, 2015

Ruth helping at the American Red Cross Information Desk June 10

Donations immediately began to pour into the ICS

This is one of the damaged homes on July 16, 2015

Flood waters broke down the garage door, then blew out the back wall of the garage and entered this home. The foundation has subsequently collapsed (seen on the left side of this picture).

The beige mobile home was pushed about 40’ east of its former position. Flood waters carried debris that damaged the metal shed on the left. Note all the debris next to the shed.

Adventist Community Services came in to manage the volunteered donations received and to set up an Emergency Distribution Center which is in the Masonic Lodge.

Clothing and food items are dispensed five days a week from the Emergency Distribution Center.

Tarps cover cold weather clothing and extra pet food that will be dispensed as needed.

The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center is at the Niobrara County Fair Grounds, where affected individuals and businesses can sign up for FEMA assistance, SBA loans and other services.

Of 111 affected homes, only one family had flood insurance. The maximum FEMA grant is $32,900. Where will the difference between the cost of repairing or rebuilding and the FEMA grant money come from?

But, maybe— Open hearts, Open minds, Open doors.