State officials provide update on flood recovery in southern Minnesota
New Richland, Minn. — Leaders from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety joined New Richland City Administrator Tyler Lendt to discuss ongoing recovery efforts following severe flooding that impacted southern and southeastern Minnesota on Sept. 18-19. This flooding caused widespread damage to homes, businesses, roads and other properties.
Recovery efforts have begun in Waseca County through coordination with the DPS Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) division, arranging resources and coordinating initial damage assessments. The state's recovery efforts will now extend across four counties impacted by the weather event, including Waseca, Houston, Fillmore and Mower counties.
Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs)
Starting Oct. 1, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and HSEM will conduct joint preliminary damage assessments throughout the four affected counties. During this process, officials work together to document damage to homes and assess the extent of the disaster. The findings will help determine whether Minnesota meets the criteria to request a presidential major disaster declaration for individual assistance, which could make additional federal recovery assistance available to residents and businesses. Recovery workers will be wearing official, identifiable apparel. They will use door hangers to note which houses they have visited if residents aren't home during assessments, which will include contact information for residents to report damages if they are unable to meet the in-person team. We strongly encourage residents to report their damages.
Disaster assistance center (DAC)
HSEM is working in collaboration with New Richland leadership to establish a disaster assistance center at the city's fire department. This will be a place where local residents can meet with representatives from government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other partners to assist individuals affected by the flooding.
Specific dates and times will be shared on the City of New Richland Facebook and the HSEM website later this week.
Waseca County and City of New Richland resources
City Administrator Lendt also announced initiatives for New Richland and Waseca County residents working through cleanup efforts:
- All Waseca County residents in need of cleanup support should call (320)-270-3766 to register their need and be paired with volunteers.
- New Richland and the Waseca Exchange Club have organized New Richland Flood Recovery Cleanup Day for volunteers scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 4. Volunteers should register online at the link below. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old, and those younger than 18 must volunteer with an adult. All volunteers must sign a waiver and wear appropriate working clothing and gear. Of significant need are volunteers with trucks or trailers who can help remove debris. You can learn more about the Waseca Exchange Club Facebook page.
- https://www.facebook.com/people/Waseca-Exchange-Club/100093021421748/
- Registration link
Additional resources
If local residents would like to contact HSEM regarding these upcoming resources, please email:
More specific resources for residents recovering from flooding damage are also available on the HSEM website:
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