Where was the reaction? Residents of McCook Lake express their displeasure with the North Sioux City government’s response to the flood

MCCOOK LAKE, SD (KTIV) – The first official council meeting in North Sioux City, South Dakota, was “standing room only” after flooding caused catastrophic damage at McCook Lake.

For over an hour, more than a dozen residents expressed their concerns and anger over what many saw as a lack of response from the authorities in the days before and after the flood.

A resident who has lived in McCook Lake for decades said neighbors helped each other, but the city’s response took several days.

One resident questioned council members and other city leaders about the lack of response both before the flood arrived and in the days afterward.

“I am absolutely disgusted by the lack of response from our city, our county and our state,” Denna Haag told the council. “We do not live in a third world country. My God, where have you been? I don’t get it. I just don’t get it.”

A single mother who lives on Penrose Drive in McCook Lake is cleaning up her flood-damaged home with her 12-year-old son. She describes the lack of warning from authorities.

“You didn’t warn us. Not at all,” Rosa Morales said. “I was just leaving when the water came. I would like to know… I have a huge erosion, so I would like to know if I should worry about my house shifting if you start throwing dirt on my house? It’s still going to rain, what are you planning to do?”

To hear more from residents who spoke during Monday night’s meeting, watch KTIV’s live stream here or below.

If you live in McCook Lake and would like to share your story with KTIV, email Katie directly at [email protected].

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