Flood victims moving from refuge at Iowa state park

HAMBURG, Iowa (AP Oct. 11) – Some people forced from their homes by Missouri River floodwaters will be leaving their refuge at an Iowa state park.

Waubonsie State Park sits dry a few miles north of the southwest Iowa community of Hamburg, which was hit hard after two nearby river levees failed. Park manager Matt Moles told Omaha, Nebraska, station KETV the park had about 80 flood refugees staying there during peak occupancy this past spring. But that’s dwindled as people returned to their homes or found other accommodations.

Other flood victims found temporary quarters elsewhere in Iowa and even across the river in Nebraska.

But now winter approaches, and Iowa officials say park water service must be turned off because of the impending freeze and the need for repairs. Electricity still will be available, and offseason camping will be allowed.