In Greenfield, search and rescue efforts are still in progress after severe storms

Greenfield, Iowa – Governor Kim Reynolds of Iowa reports that teams are currently conducting search and rescue efforts in Greenfield following Tuesday’s catastrophic storms that left extensive damage in their wake.

Following her observation of the devastation wrought by Tuesday’s storms, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds addressed the media during a press conference in Greenfield on Wednesday morning.
A tornado struck directly in the middle of the afternoon, striking Greenfield, which is located about 60 miles southwest of Des Moines.

Regarding the number of fatalities from the storms, Reynolds was unable to provide any updates. The Iowa State Patrol would only confirm the number of dead on Tuesday. Following the tornado’s destruction of house after house, at least twelve persons were sent to hospitals.

Before releasing any information, Reynolds stated that the situation is still being treated as a search and rescue to ensure that every resident has been found.

She and State Representative Ray Sorensen commended volunteers for their willingness to lend a hand and provide services, even if on Wednesday they had to turn away some persons. However, they also stressed that more helpers will be required in the next few days.

People traveled from Fort Dodge in the north, as far north as Missouri, and as far west as the border with Nebraska.

In a statement made public on Tuesday, Reynolds declared her commitment to allocating all available state resources to aid in the response and recovery efforts.

In response to the harsh weather, the governor declared a disaster in 15 counties.