Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-01) released the following video statement on the two-year anniversary of the derecho.
“Two years ago today, the derecho hit Eastern Iowa. I remember being huddled in our basement with my two boys, Max and Jax, as we waited for the storm to pass.
“The derecho couldn’t have come at a worse time – right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Families, farmers, and small businesses were hit with a one-two punch. It was devastating for our community.
“But, as Iowans always do, we banded together to rebuild and recover. Neighbors reached out to neighbors, community organizations leapt into gear, and together, we began to rebuild.
“The derecho recovery process has been long, and it is still ongoing. In Congress, I’ve worked across the aisle to bring disaster recovering funding home and advocated for long-term resiliency efforts – including updating flood maps, investing in mitigation, and improving FEMA’s disaster response.
“Today is a difficult day for Eastern Iowans as we reflect on all we lost in the derecho. But it is also an important reminder of what we can accomplish together and how far we have come.“
