DeSoto County Emergency Management is actively working on the number one priority, which is life safety needs for its residents. Emergency management is stressing that the Peace River has not crested yet, making many roadways and flooded areas impassable and dangerous. Please stay away from flooded waterways because the infrastructure underneath has not been assessed. Six people were removed from Hidden Acres last night due to rising waters.
“The unpredictability of the river is real, and people are in real danger,” said DeSoto County Fire Chief Chad Jorgensen. “If you are in these areas, you need to get out now.”
Emergency management urges residents still in their homes in the neighborhoods of Hidden Acres and River Acres to evacuate. Based on the National Weather Service, the Peace River has not crested yet, meaning the river has not reached its highest peak and will likely rise more before receding.
Search and rescue teams are actively canvassing areas for survivors.
Other priorities include reconnecting the county by clearing roads and patching the roads as soon as the water recedes. Residents are urged to stay off the roads. Traffic can impede search and rescue missions.
“We have experienced similar events with Hurricane Charley and Hurricane Irma, and our residents know how to be helpful and resourceful,” said County Administrator Mandy Hines. “We are working with our partners to secure Points of Distribution (PODS) areas for our residents for shelter, food, water, tarps, and other basic needs.
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