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Northwest Iowa towns deal with flooding rivers

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June 18th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Several northwestern Iowa cities are dealing with the worst flooding ever while others downstream brace for surges on the Rock, Big Sioux, and Missouri rivers. Rock Rapids, a town of 3,000, lost its water supply. Mayor Jason Chase says it’s back on but he’s awaiting tests results to show water is safe to drink. He says 60 homes have waist-deep water in them, and several families remain in a shelter. The Rock River is receding after cresting at a record 27 feet.

In Rock Valley the river on Tuesday broke through a levy. Volunteers are sandbagging but the river is also receding there. The Big Sioux River will reach a record crest Friday in Sioux City. In Nebraska, Omaha officials are preparing for the Missouri River to surpass flood stage.