(Sioux City)– The rising Missouri River and the possibility of a major flood has the American Red Cross deploying personnel to the Sioux City area. Among them is Cindy Voss, Executive Director of the Iowa Great Lakes Chapter of the American Red Cross in Spencer. Two local Red Cross volunteers have joined Voss in Sioux City. They are Barb Cook, a Spirit Lake native, and Janet Shinkle of Okoboji. All three were deployed Wednesday.
Voss told KUOO news not knowing just exactly what the extent of the disaster will be has made getting ready for it somewhat of a challenge. As of now she says they’re providing food, water and snacks to those involved in sandbagging operation. She says they’re also coordinating housing for evacuees.
As of right now Voss says the situation in Sioux City is literally changing by the minute. She says Interstate 29 at the Hamilton Exit was closed Wednesday, and the new YMCA has closed and is moving its equipment to another facility.
Voss says most of Dakota Dunes, a residential community on the other side of the river in extreme southeast South Dakota, has been evacuated.
