Flood relief efforts underway in north-central Illinois

Posted on June 18, 2015

Parts of Starved Rock State park near Utica have closed because of flooding. (Photo courtesy Facebook/Starved Rock State Park)

By WJBC Staff

OTTAWA – Emergency responders and other volunteers are heading to north-central Illinois to assist with evacuations.

Flood conditions on the Illinois River at Ottawa to Marseilles have prompted a call for voluntary flood evacuations The Red Cross and Salvation Army have set up a shelter in Ottawa. Parts of Starved Rock State Park near Utica are also closed because of flooding. Crews are also monitoring the Mississippi River for potential flooding following consistent heavy rains over the past few weeks.

“We are also asking our emergency response folks to continue to monitor this situation,” said Mike Levine, emergency services director for the Salvation Army Heartland Division. “With more rain in the forecast, we could have more flooding conditions develop at several sites in the Heartland area by this weekend.”

The Salvation Army is putting out a plea for financial help as they provide emergency assistance. You can send a check marked ‘flood relief’ to the Salvation Army or go to www.saheartland.org.

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