Mankato Locals Clear Damaged Debris Following Flood; City Gears Up for Additional Rainfall
In a demonstration of community resilience, residents of Mankato spent their Saturday clearing significant amounts of debris from their flood-hit basements. The city, in response, is mounting preparations for more heavy rain anticipated later in the day.
A Day of Recovery
Extreme flash flooding on the previous day had inundated the city’s streets and parking garages, forcing temporary road closures. City denizens shared shocking videos of vehicles submerged in the rapidly rising water levels. However, by Saturday morning, the water had substantially drained from the city streets, revealing a costly aftermath which locals were forced to contend.
Among the families affected, Khadija Hussein and her husband found themselves tasked with a truckload of ruined items. The couple lost two laptops, four computer tablets, multiple suitcases full of clothing and even their new carpets to the devastating flood. Speaking about her experience, Hussein shared, “Five to six times I had to vacuum to soak it up. It was too bad.” They estimate their damages to extend up to $20,000, only a quarter of which they expect insurance to cover.
Handling the Aftermath
The city’s Public Works Director, Jeff Johnson, disclosed that cumulative rainfall on the day of the flood ranged between 4.5 and 6.1 inches across different parts of the town. It was also reported that 19 households had reached out to the city to report a flooded basement. However, Johnson cautions, “the true number is really unknown. It’s hard to say.”
Investigating the pattern of the flooding, Jeff Bengtson, an associate director at the local Public Safety department noted, “The flooding had occurred in lower spots, in some cases. Maybe they had their own sump pumps were not working effectively, and they weren’t able to keep up. We just got a lot of water in a short period of time.” Thankfully, no injuries were recorded amidst the chaos.
City Prepares for More Rain
The city officials expressed cautious optimism about the ability of the city’s flood control system to protect the region from another flood, while anticipating that the Minnesota River running through Mankato and North Mankato would reach its peak at 28 feet on Monday morning. The historic peak for the river is 30 feet, and despite the significant rise, no heavy rains were reported so far on Saturday.
However, the city has begun preparations in anticipation of further rainfall. Johnson explained the variable nature of the situation, saying “A lot of that’s dependent on how much rain they get out west…and north, upstream from Mankato and how long it takes to get here. The way these systems have been rolling in from the southwest, it’s anyone’s guess.”
Staying Prepared
Keeping in mind the needs of the residents, the Mankato’s debris disposal site will remain open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. If necessary, the city pledges to continue to keep the site available for its citizens. The city’s official website continues to provide vital updates about the situation, including news on street, park and camp area closures as the city braces for likely additional rainfall in the coming days.
