By: Megan Alexander
Plattsmouth, Neb. – The University of Nebraska at Omaha is taking measures to help the community devasted by the rising floodwaters in the state. Emergency shelter, food and mental health services are available and will remain open through spring break according to a statement released by Cathy Pettid, Dean of Students.
With the record amount of snowfall this winter and its subsequent quick melting, levees over-topped. On Thursday, the Spencer Dam in Northeast, Neb. was breached, and the Union Dike on the Platte River failed. As a result, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers increased the release of water at Gavins Point Dam causing river water to rise to historic levels, similar to those seen in 2011.
Many county roads outside the Omaha metro are impassable and homes are under water as western Douglas County and parts of Dodge and Saunders Counties are declared flood emergencies. The devastation has already claimed the life of a Columbus farmer who was swept away in floodwaters as the bridge he was traveling collapsed; two people are still unaccounted for.
Nebraska isn’t the only state impacted by the floods, roads and bridges in South Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota are closed. According to the National Weather Service, 19 location in the Midwest have set peak water records. The worst may be still to come for those south of Omaha as flooding is expected to crest this weekend.
The Maverick Food Pantry and UNO Counseling and Psychological Services are available to students and their families affected by the disaster.
