It’s Summer Solstice but people in the Quad Cities are shivering because of the flooding and never-ending rainfall. After an over-the-top polar vortex winter, residents are looking forward to the warm weather. However, the flooding of the rivers in the area and non-stop rains have left many with flooded basements and wet belongings.

Flooding

Quad Cities have witnessed record-breaking flooding along the rivers. Sandbags and HESCO barriers couldn’t stop the overflowing rivers and within no time many properties have flooded. People have left their belongings and evacuated immediately seeking shelters and hotels. Businesses with apparel and other perishable goods were hit most as they have lost all the inventory and are now forced to close the locations. Insurance companies are directing people to federal funds and many people did not have flooding covered by the insurance company. Many of the river drive summer events are either canceled or moved to other areas.

Rainfall

Quad Cities are also having historic rainfalls and people are panicking because of the rains. Properties have flooded regardless of new or old, low-lying or hill-high. The stormwater systems failed and most waters escaped into the basements. Sump pumps have failed either due to malfunction or power surge issues. Backup sump pumps also were useless in some areas. Residents have no clue how to deal with the water and wet basements. Unfinished basements are now preferred over finished ones due to lesser damage. Pipes gave up due to plumbing issues and some properties even had sewage backup inside the house.

Bills

Most of the bills came out of pocket as the cleanup efforts were not covered by most insurance companies. Federal funds needed a lot of approvals and proofs. Insurance adjusters are unable to cope-up with the requests and are offering very minimum refunds. Many businesses were out of a place to put their belongings. Restaurants needed additional clean up, sanitation, and restoration. Many are opting for rebuilding the entire property due to the damage. The unprecedented flooding of the Mississippi River and the Rock River followed by heavy rainfall have put many in debts. People living paycheck to paycheck are continuing to live in the flooded properties as they have no place to go. Some were even caught in the flash flooding on the roads and lost their vehicles. Many had to empty their savings (if any) to accommodate the sudden bills. Construction of the local properties and the I74Bridge also missed the deadlines due to the flooding and rainfall.

Resilience

The resilience of the locals has put them back to work as soon as the water receded. Cities have responded with the cleaning efforts and many volunteers and non-profits have raised funds to assist those affected. Area hotels offered discounted nights for flooded residents. Local businesses are organizing clothing and food drives to raise funds for the flooding victims. Neighbors have come together to help each other with the cleanup.

The flooding of 2019 in the Quad Cities has affected all in some way or the other. Cities and residents are preparing plans to mitigate similar situations in the future and changing plans accordingly. Individuals are thankful that they are still alive and continue to rebuild their future in the Quad Cities.