original image of Iowa this week, courtesy of CR Artist
Tragedy Strikes Twice
Iowa has had an excrutiatingly rough week and many residents are still playing a waiting game to see when the river in their area will crest. The state is still reeling from the loss of four boy scouts killed in a tornado and many many people have fled their flooded homes while others brace for the rising water.
Cedar Rapids Realtor Weighs In
I spoke to Kam Hubbard, Cedar Rapids, Iowa Realtor who expressed that many people can’t work because where he is, the highways are blocked and the only direction anyone can travel is west. Kam said the cleanup has not yet begun and will not begin until the waters recede and in his case, the river hasn’t yet crested, so they’re all in a holding pattern with no internet or digital cable services (although I could hear Kam’s television in the background and he noted he’s one of the lucky ones with satellite tv)!
$700 Million in Damages
Kam shared with me that it may be weeks before internet is restored and cleanup begins, and many businesses are shut down. The damages so far are estimated to total $700 million. Yes, seven hundred million dollars and there is a potential for more rain this week.
Please Help
Kam wanted everyone to know that he is grateful for the support and that his state is hurting. Although he doesn’t have specific needs at this time, he asked that we support the local Red Cross and will let us know when things dry up a bit and if Kam, any of his team members or any of his clients have detailed needs.
The Real Estate community online is big, it’s strong and we always have been and always will be here for each other, regardless of our ideological differences. Please take a moment to donate to Red Cross, even if it’s only a few dollars- Iowa thanks you.
