Interviewer: Mason S.
Interviewee: Dawn (mom)
Can you describe the scenery?
Most of the roads we regularly traveled on were closed due to the flooding, so traffic was very heavy every time you would try to go somewhere. Sandbags were surrounding the area on Fleur Drive in Des Moines, to try to protect the Water Plant. Portable toilets were set up around town; trucks came in that people could shower in and the lines for both were very long. Neighbors would catch rain water in their garbage cans to use to flush their toilets in their homes. The home I was staying in had no running water and with in walking distances we could see flooded streets.
Can you describe your reaction to the flood?
Surprise! I was on vacation in another state that was not affected by the flooding and I had not been reading newspapers or listening to the news. While driving home on Interstate 80W, I did notice a lot of farms that were flooded and then as I approached the Des Moines area, there were signs about road closings and then I saw the National Guard and I couldn't get through to my home! I came back to Des Moines to go back to work but everything in Des Moines was shut down, so I was disappointed I was back - with nothing to do and no water in my home!
How did this make you feel?
I felt so fortunate that my family and I did not lose our home and we still had our health. I felt very sad for those people who lost their businesses and/or homes. I went one day to help sandbag near the water plant because I felt like I needed to help in some small way at least.
Can you describe how severe the flood was?
It was a major disaster. It was on National news. It was in the Des Moines Register every day for weeks and weeks. Everyone has a story about surviving the floods of '93. It affected so many people in so many different ways. It was also severe enough to have the current President, President Clinton, make a visit to Des Moines. He assisted with some sandbagging for a little bit on Fleur Drive. I was able to squeeze my arm through the crowd and he shook my hand! On a rank from one to ten, I would say it had to be a ten in severity.
In conclusion, the Flood of 1993 was so severe that people who experienced it are unlikely to ever forget the details. It made National news and affected the farm land, businesses, homes, and people's lives. I learned a lot about this flood while interviewing my mom, who experienced the flood first hand.
BY: MASON S.
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