The Little Blue River is causing big problems for the City of Grandview — more than $1.3 million worth to be exact.
Heavy rains caused major flooding across the metro Thursday, and Grandview officials say they may end up needing state or federal help to clean up the damage.
"Unfortunately, we might get to the point where we might qualify for some state or federal assistance because there’s so much damage," Grandview Communications Manager Valarie Poindexter said.
According to the city, flooding damaged 38 structures, including two businesses, and flooded two parks.
"The Little Blue River just rose so fast and so hard," Poindexter said. "It was like God turned a hose on us."
So far, the city has assessed an estimated $1.3 to $1.6 million in damage from the flooding. This number, however, is limited to damage done to residential areas and does not include roads, bridges or city-owned property.
"We're going to have to have some outside consultants come in and do some additional inspections to at least put a number on the city side of the damages," Poindexter said.
The majority of the damage occurred on the south side of the Little Blue River. Of those affected by the residential flooding damage, 15 homes are still without hot water or electricity or both.
While the city has collected information regarding the effect of this flooding, it is up to the residents and landlords to repair the damage as quickly as possible.
Much of the damage to city properties was concentrated around parks and trails.
"We don't see anything significant so far in the damage, just a lot of debris," Poindexter said.
She said it would be about a month before the city would know the full extent of the damage and repairs. They are encouraging residents to report any damage because it will be factored into whether the city qualifies for state or federal assistance.
Katie Bernard is KCUR's morning news intern.
