Flash Flooding leaves residents stranded, floods basements

Oskaloosa is yet again the victim of heavy rainfall. Overnight nearly 8 inches of rain fell causing the Spring Creek River to swell out of its banks and into the homes of residents. Around 4 am Mahaska County 911 became aware of a dangerous situation east of town. Fire fighters were dispatched and upon arriving found 9 persons trapped in houses and on vehicles. Shortly after arriving, firefighters began contacting residents and asking them to provide flat bottom boats for water rescues.

A short time later, the Mahaska County 911 center sounded the Tornado Sirens to alert residents about the fast rising water. Fire Chief Mark Neff reported that in all 17 residents were rescued. After the water rescues, sandbagging began at the Oskaloosa Northeast Water Treatment plant. The plant had experienced major flooding and at one point, officials thought that the main pump would have to be shut off. A couple of smaller pumps were being sent down to Ottumwa for repairs.

Officials said that while the water had receded at the time of the sandbagging, it was being done as a result of the fear of more heavy rains overnight tonight. Neff also reported that a house fire occurred during the water rescues this morning.

Oskaloosa crews originally dispatched to that fire had to ask another department to take over that call as a result of the ongoing rescues. No injuries were reported and the house was deemed a total loss. Oskaloosa is under a flash flood watch is forecasted to have heavy rains for a third evening in a row.