The derecho that hit Iowa in August 2020 was a disaster that caused damage to homes, crops, farms, businesses, and livestock. Whether from a derecho or a tornado, the severity or magnitude should not matter - the state was in an emergency and needed help. The government should open their eyes to the damage that the hurricane-strength winds caused, and provide federal funds for quick recovery.

Cedar Rapids, Iowa was hit with hurricane-force wind gusts exceeding 100 mph that damaged and destroyed 8,200 homes and 13 million acres of corn. In the immediate aftermath, more than half a million people were without electricity.

The residents of Iowa expected the government to take care of them, and provide immediate relief with federal funds to help clear debris, repair government facilities and homes, restore power, and lead to a quick recovery. 

The derecho caused significant damage - $4 billion worth. Governor Kim Reynolds filed a Major Emergency Declaration asking for $3.99 billion. Only $45 million was approved, limited to debris removal and repair of government buildings and utilities in 16 counties.

The additional money was requested for the more than 8,200 damaged homes and agricultural damages. None of it was approved, even though personal property suffered heavy damage. 

A derecho can be just as destructive, or more so, than a tornado, and though not as common as a tornado or hurricane, derechos are “widespread and long-lived”. It can be very dangerous for anyone outdoors, giving very little or no time for them to seek shelter.

Storm warnings, and the damage caused by them are to be taken seriously. It is surprising and frustrating that the government has yet to understand how derechos can wreak havoc. If you don’t know, the August 2020 derecho was among the top-5 worst disastrous storms in the country since 1980. 

Either the government is not interested in helping Iowans, or they are unaware of the damage a derecho can cause. Iowans are disappointed with the lack of assistance, making it clear the federal government doesn’t know much about the state.

It may also be due to Governor Reynolds inability to present the scale of the disaster. Reynolds didn’t act urgently or appropriately, obtaining less than half of what was needed. 

It is evident and painful to witness the residents struggle with basic needs; people were sleeping outside and cooking on campfires. The situation was even worse for those who were struggling with insurance claims. Home repair contractors are asking for exorbitant prices for repairing homes. So who is to blame? The government or the voters for choosing them?

The government has been slow and incapable of providing what was needed. It is the local community that has come forward to help, and people from other states. Iowa’s Governor failed to move quickly and take action. The funds would have been approved if she had sent an abbreviated request to FEMA.

There is a system in place to approve federal assistance without damage assessments, and this should stand for damage caused by any natural disaster, be it a tornado or derecho.

Even though a derecho is rare, the damage it caused was horrific and widespread. It’s the kind of damage that the government needs to take seriously, like it does with tornadoes, and provide the required federal aid to Iowa.