Floods Breach Des Moines Levee

Floodwaters breached a levee and a temporary barrier today near a residential neighborhood in Des Moines, forcing authorities to call for a mandatory evacuation of 270 homes, the AP reports. “There’s not anything else we can do,” said a city official. Storms throughout the region have killed nine, and officials have cut power service and are bracing for the worst.

“A real wave of water is on the way as we speak,” Iowa’s governor said, while the Des Moines mayor admitted the situation was “a bit overwhelming. This is an endurance competition. We have to be patient.” One resident, whose home was threatened by the floods, stayed positive. “At least we’re high and dry now. I guess we’re fortunate.” (More Des Moines stories.)