Website design By BotEap.comWith the frequency and magnitude of most natural disasters in recent times, you will agree with me that nature seems to be angry with the way we abuse the environment. Some will say that it is a sign of the end of time. It is disheartening to see millions of people affected by natural disasters like Myanmar’s Cyclone Nargis, Hurricane Katrina, the China earthquake, and most recently the Iowa flood.

Website design By BotEap.comThe Iowa floods that ravaged the city in June 2008 left hundreds of families homeless, businesses closed, and the rest of the city was hit by crumbling infrastructure. As soon as the waters subside, there will be many questions to be asked: Why didn’t the Army Corps and USGS accurately predict the entry of water into the reservoir? Why didn’t the city give homeowners the time they needed to store their belongings? Where was the forecast after a record snowfall to empty the reservoir at an earlier date? These questions are being asked, but where are the answers?

Website design By BotEap.comIn Cedar Rapids, after the withdrawal of the Cedar River, many residents had the opportunity to get a first look inside their flood-ruined homes. The city had established a handful of checkpoints that led to the flooded neighborhoods. On one of First Avenue, near one of the most severely damaged sections of the city, residents waited for a National Guard escort to take them to their homes where the water had completely withdrawn. They could check the damage, but they could only remove what they could carry on foot.

Website design By BotEap.comSome of the people who returned were crying. Dan Bowers was one of those waiting in a line that went back about half a block. He said that when he evacuated Wednesday night, he had no idea the flooding would be this bad. “I moved everything from the basement to the first floor,” he said. “My house had never been flooded before, so I thought that would save everything.”

Website design By BotEap.comBut then he saw a video on television of a boat going through deep water in his neighborhood. He thought he had lost everything. “All my furniture, all my photos, personal belongings, clothes, appliances,” he said. Replacing those things, in addition to repairing flood damage or rebuilding, if necessary, won’t be easy for Bowers. “Most of the damage occurs in areas that are not floodplains where there is no insurance,” he said. “I know he didn’t have flood insurance.”

Website design By BotEap.comThousands of people are likely to be in the same situation in Cedar Rapids, promising to make the city’s rebuilding process much more difficult. Bowers, a longtime resident, says it will likely be years before his city returns to normal.

Website design By BotEap.comDisasters like the Iowa flood will continue to occur. They are what we call acts of nature. The question we should ask ourselves now is “How prepared are we when the next disaster hits?”

Website design By BotEap.comMy thoughts and prayers go out to all the families affected by the Iowa flood.

Website design By BotEap.comNow is the time to consider purchasing homeowners insurance or flood insurance or both. Most quotes are free and online. Do not delay. Take action today.