Flooding has deluged parts of the Midwest, with officials in Nebraska, Iowa and Wisconsin declaring states of emergency as more than 8 million people are currently under flood warnings.

At least four people have died as a result of the flooding activity in Nebraska and Iowa.

A “bomb cyclone” that brought heavy rain throughout the Plains region and Upper Midwest last week is contributing to the flooding, and melting snow and ice in the region are also adding  to the rising waters.

Direct Relief is in communication with partner healthcare facilities throughout Nebraska, including facilities in Columbus, Hastings, Kearney, Lincoln and Omaha, among others, and is ready to assist if requested.

Evacuation warnings remain in place for nearly a dozen counties in Nebraska, where shelters have been activated.

Direct Relief’s medical inventory includes Emergency Health Kits, designed to rapidly deploy and equip health providers during times of disaster and mass evacuation, including shelter situations. The organization is also ready to assist with any health-related issues evacuees seeking care at local health centers may be experiencing.

Rapid evacuations often result in essential medicines being left behind. Lack of medication needed to manage chronic conditions, like diabetes or asthma, can send a person into medical crisis, potentially requiring emergency care.

Direct Relief will continue monitoring the situation and is ready to respond.