Davenport Suffers Major Flooding – How to Help

A breach Tuesday in the HESCO barriers has led to major flooding of the Mississippi river in downtown Davenport. The river is expected to crest Wednesday at 22.4 feet.   

The Gazette reports the temporary levees at Pershing Avenue began to break (around 3:30 p.m.Wednesday) Just hours earlier, Davenport police and firefighters were walking East Second Street, urging people to evacuate. The HESCO flood barriers haven’t been used in a flood higher than 21.5 feet, said Nicole Gleason, assistant city administrator and public works director, and there was a risk they wouldn’t hold. During the day, they had been reinforced with sandbags on the tops and backs, because having the river at 21 feet was a “milestone,” she said.

Other river towns like Muscatine and Buffalo are also dealing with flooding. Buffalo Police are asking onlookers to stay away, and that only volunteers should report to Buffalo City Hall at 329 Dodge St. or call 563-381-2226.

The levee system in Muscatine is secure. That is the message from the City of Muscatine after reports surfaced this afternoon that a levee break had occurred in the Musser Park area.

“We are walking the levee 24 hours a day at the present time and we have found no problems up and down the system,” Brian Stineman, Public Works Director, said.

While government officials apply for FEMA help, the American Red Cross and Salvation Army are offering assistance for those impacted.

The city of Davenport is coordinating with the American Red Cross and Salvation Army to assist any residents affected by the breach in the River Drive flood protection. About 25 people helped evacuate an area of Second Street west of Brown Street.

The Salvation Army is accepting donations of bottled water, non-perishable food/snacks, new pillows and sheets, towels and washcloths, and toiletries. Donations can be dropped off at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Wednesday.