Disaster Event Narrative
Heavy rains occurred in north and east central Nebraska beginning Friday evening, August 6th and continued into August 7th, 1999. Precipitation amounts ranged from 6 to 12 inches of rain, resulting in flash flooding. One storm death was reported in Douglas County when a basement collapsed on a resident. As a result of flooding, Lt. Governor Maurstad requested a joint federal/state Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) on August 9th, 1999. Following the completion of the PDA, Governor Johanns requested a Major Disaster Declaration for the counties of Burt, Washington, and Douglas. On August 20th, 1999, President Clinton declared these three counties a major disaster, making citizens and communities in these counties eligible for Individual Assistance and Public Assistance disaster recovery programs. All Nebraska counties are eligible for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

Summary of Damages
Residences: Damage assessments indicated that one home was destroyed, 33 sustained major damage, and 1015 residences sustained minor damage. 192 residences were affected but remained habitable. More than 2700 individuals and businesses applied for assistance.

Public Infrastructure: Sixteen eligible applicants were identified from damages received as a result of the storms and flooding. Five local governments reported severe damage to local road systems. Roadway damages consisted primarily of road base and surface aggregate washouts, culvert damages, and roadway embankment losses. Three bridges were severely damaged in Washington County. Fort Calhoun's wastewater treatment plant in Washington County experienced damage to its electric panel.

Businesses: Damage to exposed gas lines owned by Metropolitan Utility District in Douglas County: three public utilities reported damages totaling $334,600. The Omaha Public Power District, which serves customers in Nebraska and western Iowa, incurred almost $300,000 along with damages to its electrical distribution system.

Individual Assistance:
Disaster Housing Assistance applications: 1143; dollar amount approved: $108,745
Individual and Family Grant Program applications: 591; housing inspections: 1073
Small Business Administration loan applications: 350

Public Assistance:Categories and Dollar Amounts
Debris Removal: $206,900
Protective Measures: $50,000
Roads and Bridges: $610,000
Water Control: $6,300
Public Buildings: $115,000
Public Utilities: $334,600
Recreational: $111,600

Public Assistance applicants: 23

Mitigation:
Affected communities currently completing flood mitigation plans: Fort Calhoun, Tekamah (see FMA section on flood mitigation main page)
Flood reduction projects: acquisition of substantially-damaged residence in Fort Calhoun (see FMA section on flood mitigation main page)

PHOTOS
Cole Creek
Basement collapse of a residence (44K)
Another view of basement collapse (57K)
Cars swept away into creek by flash flood (56K)
Seward Street debris and property damage (65K)
Western Avenue debris and brdige damage (54K)

Omaha
Papillion Creek, Omaha (note mud on bike path and how much water has receded) (28K)
Construction equipment flooded (45K)
Red Cross assisting flood victims (51K)
Bike trail along Papillion Creek (note debris on top of levee showing overtopping) (28K)

Omaha World Herald page about this flood disaster