Authorities evacuated large parts of the city of Cedar Rapids, Iowa Friday as water some 2.5 meters deep flooded over 400 city blocks, the dpa reported.
The flooding came after a week of heavy rains pushed the cedar river to record highs, causing estimated damage of some 750 million dollars, according to a fire department official. The river crested at over 10 meters, six meters higher than the normal flood stage and four meters higher than the previous record. Fire Department spokesman Dave Koch estimated that it could be as long as ten days till the water is drained from the town.
Hundreds of houses in the city were destroyed or severely damaged. Even a hospital with 176 patients had to be evacuated after water infiltrated the lower floors.
There was also concern in the state capital Des Moines, as two nearby rivers threatened to burst their banks. The heavy rains caused alarm throughout Iowa with 83 of the 99 counties in the state declared disaster areas.