Injuries, Extensive Damage Reported in Eldora; Emergency Declaration Issued

A mobile home was blown off its foundation, flipped over, and landed on a truck in Epworth.

Tools

By KCRG Intern

Story Created: Aug 9, 2009 at 3:51 PM CST

Story Updated: Aug 10, 2009 at 10:03 AM CST

Residents of Eldora are cleaning up after storms ripped through the area earlier today, which appears to be the hardest hit area of the state.

Hardin County Sheriff Tim Smith said strong winds caused the radio communication tower near the sheriff’s office to bend over a building, punching a hole the size of a fist into the jail’s roof. The tower is a total loss and water is leaking into a cell.

Many large trees fell across the town and there is considerable damage to houses and businesses from strong winds and hail — which Smith added were the size of golf balls.

Eldora City Manager Patrick Ian Rigg told KCCI in Des Moines that 11 people were taken to hospitals, but the most serious injuries appeared to be broken bones. He said some people were injured while staying in tents at the campground at Pine Lake State Park north of town.

Iowa Highway 175 is blocked in both directions in Eldora due to downed power lines and large tree limbs. It is unknown when this highway will reopen, says the Iowa Department of Transportation.

The American Red Cross has opened an emergency shelter at the Eldora High School.

Gov. Chet Culver issued an emergency disaster proclamation for Hardin County to allow state resources to be deployed to support local responders at no cost.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by today's severe weather, especially those who sustained injuries or damage to their homes," Culver said in a statement. "While emergency management officials continue to assess the situation, the state stands ready to assist in any way possible."

Minor injuries have also been reported.

Smith said Eldora police are visiting houses to make sure residents are uninjured.

Next Article For Cedar Rapids, Proposed State Aid Hinges on Local Tax Approval

Conversation Guidelines

Be Kind

Don't use abusive, offensive, threatening, racist, vulgar or sexually-oriented language.
Don't attack someone personally. Keep it civil and be responsible.

Share Knowledge

Be truthful. Share what you know and what you are passionate about.
What more do you want to learn? Keep it simple.

Stay focused

Promote lively and healthy debate. Stay on topic. Ask questions and give feedback on the story's topic.

Report Trouble

Help us maintain a quality comment section by reporting comments that are offensive. If you see a comment that is offensive, or you feel violates our guidelines, simply click on the "x" to the far right of the comment to report it.

read the full guidelines here »

Commenting will be disabled on stories dealing with the following subject matter: Violent crime, sexual abuse, Amber Alerts, Operation Quickfinds and suicides.