Over 70 Marion homes affected by weekend flash flooding

MARION — After last weekend’s flash flooding in Marion, city officials are spending this week assessing damage and picking up flood debris.

An estimated 6.5 inches of rain fell within only a couple of hours in Marion, causing flash floods June 25.

The city has been working with Linn County Emergency Management and the Iowa Department of Homeland Security to secure resources for those affected by flooding.

On Monday, Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation for Linn County, opening individual assistance for affected residents through the Department of Homeland Security.

City Public Services Director Ryan Miller said more than 70 homes in Marion had been affected. Flooded basements accounted for most of the damage.

“We’re expecting that number to increase,” Miller said. “The water just came down at such a fast rate. It just overwhelms everything.”

Miller said low-lying areas that could not handle the volume of rainfall in the short period were the most affected, including 11th Avenue, Indian Creek Road, James Drive, English Boulevard and Brockman Avenue.

This week, city employees are assessing damage and evaluating structures for safety, including the Winslow Road Bridge, Miller said.

The south bridge over Indian Creek between Tower Terrace Road and Winslow Road is closed as it awaits inspection. The plan is to inspect the bridge Wednesday to make sure it’s structurally sound, Miller said.

Marion Fire Chief Deb Krebill said the fire department responded to multiple calls over the weekend as some Marion roads turned into rivers and some residents were stuck in their cars as the water rose.

The department responded to three such calls during the rainstorm.

“We had to rescue a couple people who had water up to their waist and couldn’t get the car door open,” Krebill said.

“The flash flooding came and went very quickly,” Miller said. “Cars that were driving through the streets weren’t able to gauge the levels of the water, and it became pretty significant in most areas.”

The Public Services Department will conduct free curbside debris collection until July 9. To schedule a pickup, residents should call (319) 377-6367.

The debris should be placed between the sidewalk and curb for collection, according to the city website. Any items that were damaged due to flooding will be collected except for toxic or hazardous materials, propane tanks, auto parts, concrete and roofing materials, the website says.

Krebill told The Gazette the Salvation Army and Red Cross have provided around 60 flood cleanup kits to help homeowners. The kits include mops, bleach, gloves and other supplies.

The kits are available for pickup at City Hall between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. To request that a kit to be delivered, residents can call (319) 743-6301.

Comments: (319) 398-8255; gage.miskimen@thegazette.com