As the Cedar River began its slow descent from peak flood stage, a shrinking evacuation area meant some area residents were able to go home Wednesday.
Cedar Rapids City Manager Jeff Pomeranz said during a Wednesday morning press conference that individuals were allowed to return to about 2,500 homes and businesses.
Not everyone has been allowed back in. Almost 6,000 homes and businesses were included in the original evacuation area and a smaller evacuation area remains in place for the areas closest to the river and most at risk as the river level remains high.
Cedar Rapids police Captain Steve O’Konek said that while the evacuation zone has been reduced and projections show the water continuing to go down, the current river level — 20.5 feet as of Wednesday afternoon — is still dangerous.
“So, while that’s a good step in the right direction to open the properties, we recognize, and I want the public to recognize, that this is still an emergency situation, and, while we think things are going to go well, we still have a potential problem,” O’Konek said.
If those returning to homes or businesses find that their basements have taken on water, they are advised to call their electrical and gas providers to shut off services. Contractors hired to repair damage must be licensed through the state and must obtain a flood permit. The city has waived flood permit fees.
Pomeranz said city officials expect the river to reach the 18-foot mark on Thursday evening, but until the waters recede further the city is still working to maintain flood protection measures.
“Our goal is to get our citizens and our businesses back into the area as quickly as possible, while also maintaining the safety of our residents and our workers,” Pomeranz said.
Bridges and roads will reopen as soon as possible, officials said.
For more information about disposal of sandbags and flood debris and up-to-date information about road closures, visit the City of Cedar Rapids website.
