Flooding filled the streets of Madison, South Dakota on September 12, 2019. Photo by Pastor Randy Hedge, Madison UMC.

The United Methodist Committee of Relief—UMCOR, has issued a Solidarity Grant of $10,000 to the Dakotas Conference to assist with flood relief efforts in Lake County, South Dakota. 
 
An overwhelming total of 11.81 inches of rain fell in Lake County, South Dakota, in 48 hours, September 10-12, 2019, causing severe flooding and damage to roads, public infrastructure, homes, and personal property. Many roads washed out or became impassable, and significant damage was realized to both personal and real property. Lake County Emergency Management reports 852 homes in the county were affected by the flooding, including four that were destroyed and 288 that sustained significant damage. Seventeen homes remain inaccessible, and the damage is unknown.
 
With the weather turning suddenly colder in the Dakotas, an immediate concern of many residents in the affected communities is the replacement of warm winter clothing, as well as household appliances and furnaces that were destroyed by the flood. Residents’ emotional well-being is also of great concern as people work through this crisis.  
 
The UMCOR grant, in partnership with the Madison community’s Lake Area Recovery Network (LARN), will assist flood victims with the replacement of household appliances and furnaces. Additionally, funds will provide professional counseling support, which would be provided at low, or no cost through local faith communities, to people in need. 

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