Flooding Forces 1,500 to Evacuate

About 1,500 people remained out of their homes as the surging waters of the Cedar River flooded 65 city blocks in Waverly, Iowa. The community was cut in two as the river crested early in the day at just over 21 feet--2 feet higher than the previous record set in 1993. As many as 650 homes and a dozen downtown businesses were affected. No injuries were reported. Electricity in Waverly, a town of 8,500, was shut off and residents were told to lock their doors when they were evacuated. About 200,000 sandbags had been placed around the town and at the city’s water and sewage plants.