This story is the third in a series about the devastation of the derecho (land hurricane storm) that roared through Iowa and several other states (with only 20 minutes advance notice) on August 10, 2020. Hopefully you have read the first two installments about this storm event and have viewed the pictures that accompanied them. They are available on this website if you have not yet had a chance to read them.

Experiencing this derecho made me realize just how dependent all of us are on electricity—because of the storm we lost power at our house for several days; others were without power for almost two weeks. There are a few hundred more in the state still waiting for the return of power.

Without electricity we literally lost all communication with the outside world. Cell phones and the internet were not accessible; what was going on in the rest of the world was unknown. It was also difficult for city officials in Cedar Rapids to communicate with its citizens and to coordinate assistance where it was most needed.

Without electricity, gasoline pumps don’t work. Gas stations that had power soon ran out of fuel due to the high demand, and they could not provide fuel service to all the customers that needed it…and, without gas cars don’t run. Numerous semi-trucks, carrying needed fuel and other products, were blown over on the interstate and highways during the storm, further affecting supply.

Chain saws were an essential means to cut down and clear fallen trees from yards and streets; the power head on a chain saw is a high-performance engine that needs high octane fuel to do the job. People who were fortunate enough to have generators also needed fuel to run them to provide electrical power to their homes.

No electricity meant it was pitch black at night! Flashlights became our best friends. Without electricity thousands were without air-conditioning or use of fans in the sweltering August heat. Water heaters, radios, TVs, electric can openers, electric shavers didn’t work. Neither did dish washers, blenders, mixers, refrigerators, microwaves, stoves, washers, dryers, dehumidifiers, electric garage door openers, door bells, curling irons, heating pads, vacuums, electric tooth brushes, computers and access to what is stored on the computer. The outage meant no cash from ATM machines, or use of printers, electric pencil sharpeners, shredders etc., etc., etc.

The streets were blocked by the downed trees and 911 calls went unanswered. Fire trucks, police and ambulances couldn’t get through due to the debris.

The best in many people was displayed in the storm’s aftermath. Thankfully, many neighbors and friends were especially helpful and caring for those less fortunate. Some kids set up a lemonade stand and provided “workers” (those helping with the cleanup) with free refreshment; people checked on one another; offers of help were forthcoming, from helping to clear debris to sharing needed grocery items…and praying. Neighbors were truly neighbors to each other.

Unfortunately, the storm also exposed the worst in others. Some people turned ugly in stores and insisted on fighting for whatever was in short supply. People came from out-of-state hoping to reap prize pieces of wood for wood-working hobbies. Others offered to provide services (re-roofing, tree removal, etc.), but at outrageous prices, preying on the misfortune of others.

President Trump visited here and declared a national emergency. Iowa’s governor made a trip here, as well as the two US senators from Iowa. What was most disappointing was that NONE of the national media - ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, CNN, or CBN - carried the story. This was a major US disaster with national implications—the derecho storm affected some 10 million acres of Iowa farmland and 57 millions of bushels of grain storage in Iowa—the top U.S. corn-growing state. The loss of crops by Iowa farmers not only affects them personally, but will also affect nearly everyone in the United States…available supply and in the wallet.

Almost as an afterthought The Washington Post and The New York Times carried single stories. Relief workers from other states have said that this disaster compares or is worse than the destruction of Hurricane Katrina. Without coverage by the national media, charitable groups like the Red Cross, Samaritan’s Purse, Operation Blessing and other volunteer groups have difficulty raising the money needed to provide assistance. Donnelle Eller, reporting for the Des Moines Register, said destruction to Iowa’s homes, farms, businesses, livestock, and crops translates to a $4 billion hit.

We feel great empathy for those on the gulf coast who are experiencing the effects of Hurricane Laura. Despite the warning about the approaching storm, many people will suffer injury and loss; much will be destroyed. We ask the Lord in prayer for their safety and well-being and recovery. It is noticeable to us that this weather event has been made known well in advance of its arrival by all members of the national media. Iowa and others in the 700 mile stretch of the derecho had only the twenty minute advance notice!

In the 4th and concluding blog about the derecho, I will discuss how I think God, in one of His Other Ways, is involved in this and how we should respond. Hopefully I can share this with you next Monday (if our internet stays up.)

After the storm and return to power, this came in by an email from IMON, the company that provides our internet/wi-fi service: “We understand how frustrating it can be to not have your Internet service. Our technicians are working night and day, seven days per week to repair damage in our network and reconnect customers.”

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And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV

I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me, so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting people may know there is none besides me. I am the Lord, and there is no other. I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things. Isaiah 45: 5-7 NIV

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If you liked this story and would like a copy of either of my books,
they are available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle format:

If you have a story or testimony that you think might bless others,
I invite you to send it by email to me (Kenneth Kersey) at godsotherways@me.com.

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