Western South Dakota News

U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) along with U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) have urged President Biden to issue a major disaster declaration for South Dakota following severe storms and flooding from June 16 through July 8, 2024. Their request came immediately after Governor Kristi Noem’s major disaster declaration.

"In light of these considerations, we respectfully request that you expeditiously review Gov. Noem’s request and declare a major disaster for relevant areas of our state," the delegation wrote in their letter to President Biden. "Along with our fellow South Dakotans, we appreciate your consideration of this request and stand ready to assist in any way possible."

The letter highlights the significant impact of the catastrophic flooding that began on June 16, 2024, due to heavy rainstorms that filled creeks and rivers in the southeast corner of the state. The flooding affected the Niobrara River, Missouri River, and Big Sioux River, leading to emergency evacuations, property damage, and infrastructure collapse including the BNSF Railway railroad bridge connecting North Sioux City, S.D., with Sioux City, Iowa.

Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration indicated that the Big Sioux River crested at 44.98 feet, surpassing its previous record by 7.28 feet set in 2014. The National Weather Service classified this year's flooding as a 1,000-year event with eleven river gauges recording all-time high levels.

The disaster has impacted 25 counties and five tribal nations causing tens of millions of dollars in damage to public infrastructure, homes, and businesses.

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