Rail bridge collapses during Midwest flooding in US
Rail bridge collapses during Midwest flooding in US
A steel rail bridge connecting North Sioux City in South Dakota with Sioux City in Iowa collapsed during floods in Midwestern United States.
The bridge's owner, BNSF Railway, stopped operating it as a precautionary measure. However, no one was injured in the incident.
Heavy rainfall over several days has led to rising floodwaters in South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska, with more rain forecasted. The flooding has forced evacuations, destroyed businesses, and claimed one life.
"It was 7,000 square feet of very pretty, pretty things. And it’s all gone. But I like to reinvent myself, so we’re going to come back better," said Deb Kempema, who lost her home decor store in Rock Valley, Iowa.
In northern Iowa, governor Kim Reynolds declared a disaster for 21 counties, with the National Guard assisting in water rescues and delivering essential medications.
"Businesses are shuttered. Main streets have been impacted. Hospitals, nursing homes and other care facilities were evacuated. Cities are without power, and some are without drinkable water," said Reynolds.
South Dakota governor Kristi Noem also declared an emergency due to severe flooding in the southeastern part of the state, which led to several highway closures and at least one death.
Meanwhile, the heat wave continues to be a significant concern, particularly in the Southeast, parts of the South, and the Plains.
Last year, the US witnessed the most number of heat waves since 1936, claiming more than 2,300 deaths, the highest in 45 years.
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