Thread by @kazweida, This #SundayMorning we're asking why no one is paying attention to the [...]

This #SundayMorning we're asking why no one is paying attention to the devastation in Iowa. On Monday, large parts of Iowa, especially Cedar Rapids, were decimated by a storm called a derecho.

Many Iowans are still without power. 4 are dead.
(THREAD) https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2020/08/14/iowa-derecho-attention-aid/

Perspective | An inland hurricane tore through Iowa. You probably didn’t hear about it.

My state's last disaster, breathlessly covered by the media, was the caucuses. After that, everyone moved out.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2020/08/14/iowa-derecho-attention-aid/

(2) What is a derecho? It's a wind storm that's the equivalent of an inland hurricane or tornado. It's believed winds were 100 mph in the storm that hit Iowa this past week.

Dealing with this devastation during a pandemic is particularly problematic. https://www.forbes.com/sites/marshallshepherd/2020/08/10/what-is-a-derecho/#49a71c2b3b8e

What Is A Derecho?

What's a derecho anyhow? Here's an explanation as one moves through the Midwest.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/marshallshepherd/2020/08/10/what-is-a-derecho/#49a71c2b3b8e

(3) There are thousands without power, mostly in the Cedar Rapids area.

While Iowa does periodically get milder versions of these storms, meteorologists estimate this derecho left a swathe of destruction 60-70 miles wide as it moved through the state. https://www.npr.org/2020/08/16/902868884/the-devastation-is-widespread-iowans-continue-to-struggle-in-aftermath-of-storm

'The Devastation Is Widespread.' Iowans Continue To Struggle In Aftermath Of Storm

Tens of thousands are still without power following the derecho storm system that slammed the state last week, flattening homes, buildings and countless acres of farmland.

https://www.npr.org/2020/08/16/902868884/the-devastation-is-widespread-iowans-continue-to-struggle-in-aftermath-of-storm

(4) There have been about 14 million acres of farmland destroyed in Iowa and neighboring states, including corn and bean crops.

Because our food supply is volatile right now due to the pandemic, this has the potential to create some food supply issues. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/08/14/iowa-derecho-deadly-storm-power-outages-national-guard/5581492002/

Iowans grapple with aftermath of Monday's deadly derecho, 'a disaster that we have never seen'

The National Guard was set to arrive in Cedar Rapids on Friday to assist residents there after Monday's deadly derecho storm that was like a hurricane

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/08/14/iowa-derecho-deadly-storm-power-outages-national-guard/5581492002/

(5) Cedar Rapids, however, is facing the worst of the devastation. As a city known for its trees, it's estimated Cedar Rapids lost at least half of the city's tree canopy in the storm.

It's a loss that will take millions the city doesn't have to replace. https://www.thegazette.com/cedar-rapids-loses-half-its-tree-canopy-in-derecho-storm-20200815

Cedar Rapids loses half its tree canopy in derecho

CEDAR RAPIDS - Trees bring air to our lungs and shape to our world, filtering pollution, buffering sound and harboring birds, squirrels and insects.

https://www.thegazette.com/cedar-rapids-loses-half-its-tree-canopy-in-derecho-storm-20200815

(6) Many families have been displaced because of the storm, including this Cedar Rapids apartment building full of refugees who are now living in makeshift tents and struggling to survive.

The building they once called home is completely open to the sky. https://www.iowapublicradio.org/ipr-news/2020-08-16/living-in-the-unlivable-in-the-aftermath-of-the-derecho

Living In The Unlivable In The Aftermath Of The Derecho

In the wake of last Monday's ferocious derecho storm, residents and advocates say outreach to Cedar Rapids' refugee communities has been almost entirely conducted by grassroots organizations and...

https://www.iowapublicradio.org/ipr-news/2020-08-16/living-in-the-unlivable-in-the-aftermath-of-the-derecho

(7) Ashton Kutcher, who hails from Cedar Rapids, has criticized the lack of federal aid for the devastated Iowan city.

While Trump did tweet about the storm on Tuesday and Pence was in Iowa on Thursday, there has been no federal disaster relief provided. https://news.yahoo.com/ashton-kutcher-slams-president-trump-derecho-iowa-federal-relief-202449971.html

Ashton Kutcher calls out President Trump after derecho: 'Where is the federal relief for Iowa?'

Kutcher demanded Trump and Vice President Pence "do something" after deadly derecho.

https://news.yahoo.com/ashton-kutcher-slams-president-trump-derecho-iowa-federal-relief-202449971.html

(8) So here's where we get to the part where you can help. First off, put the pressure on both Trump and the GOP to get federal aid to Iowa.

Keep shouting about it. Trump has abandoned farmers who were already suffering from his sanctions. https://www.cnbc.com/2019/08/08/i-wont-be-voting-for-the-president-again-says-ohio-farmer.html

I won't be voting for the president again, says Ohio farmer who backed Trump in 2016

Christopher Gribbs, a soybean farmer from Ohio whose family owns and operates 560 acres of land, told CNBC on Thursday that he won't be voting for President Trump again in the 2020 election.

https://www.cnbc.com/2019/08/08/i-wont-be-voting-for-the-president-again-says-ohio-farmer.html

(9) Secondly, here's how you can donate to Iowa relief efforts.

United Way: …https://unitedwayofeastcentraliowa.galaxydigital.com/need/index?s=1&need_init_id=3463&fbclid=IwAR0_nK4-BS8xZbClbxEPrD7W7ByvHCpi1eFc8iBkQBQ2lj0qhClDDRyBlGo
HACAP - Food Assistance:
https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E350842&id=1
Greater CR Foundation Disaster Recovery Fund:
https://www.gcrcf.org/2020/08/greater-cedar-rapids-community-foundation-announces-disaster-recovery-fund/

https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/iowa-derecho-volunteer-donate-money-cedar-rapids-story-marshall-linn-how-can-i-help/524-4603f798-1b3a-4526-9a8a-4f082eccaa60

(10) It's a difficult time for everyone. If you can help, please do.

If you're not able to, invest a little time in helping amplify what's happening in Iowa and make sure they get some federal relief to put their lives back together again. https://www.agriculture.com/video/iowas-derecho-by-the-numbers

Iowa's derecho by the numbers

The derecho that brought high winds to Iowa damaged power lines, crops, and grain storage. Here's a look at the statistics we know so far.

https://www.agriculture.com/video/iowas-derecho-by-the-numbers

(END) Thanks for dropping by for our #SundayMorning thread, suggestion courtesy of @cballardspeech , Come back next week and we'll do this again.

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