New Richland residents say flooding is the worst they have seen

Residents in New Richland are cleaning up from what many describe as the worst flooding they've ever seen in the small southern Minnesota city.

Dozens of homes in the city of about 1,200 people were impacted as floodwaters surged through neighborhoods, filled basements and forced evacuations on Saturday. Waseca County Sheriff Jay Dulas said no injuries were reported, but the extent of the damage remains unclear as water slowly recedes.

Aerial views showed large portions of the community underwater. 

For homeowner Zoe Jepson, the flooding happened fast.

"I rushed to the garage and our two vehicles were underwater," Jepson said.

Water poured into her home near the creek that runs through town, damaging furniture, carpet and her 2-year-old daughter's toys.

"It was just panic because it was coming in fast," she said.

Brenda Routh returned home after driving more than 12 hours from a wedding in Tennessee to find about 16 inches of water in her basement.

"We lost everything in the basement," Routh said.

She said the force of the floodwater shattered basement windows.

"The water pressure was so high," she said.

Rose Weber also had water pour into her basement during the storm. Weber moved to New Richland in 2013. Since then, she said this is the fourth time flooding has damaged her property. Now, she said she's reached her limit.

"I have major health issues and now, with all of this again, I'm gonna deal with mold again," Weber said.

City Administrator Tyler Lendt said residents are describing the flooding as the worst they have ever experienced.

"This is the worst event that anybody remembers," Lendt said.

According to Lendt, an estimated one-quarter of the town's homes suffered severe flooding, with water levels in some basements rising to the floor joists.

The flooding also prompted the evacuation of 36 senior residents from the New Richland Care Center.

"Water was flowing over Highway 13, and I said, 'We've got to go now,'" said Robert Johannsen, an administrator at the care center.

It took three hours for staff to move all the residents to safety and onto two buses. 

"There were three people who got to ride a bed through the water over to dry land," Johannsen said.

New Richland experienced significant flooding in 2010 and 2016, but Dulas told WCCO this event appears to be worse than either of those floods.

The full extent of the damage remains unclear until water levels drop further and assessments can begin, Lendt said.

Residents who sustained flood damage are encouraged to report it through the county's website. 

In the meantime, city leaders are seeking volunteers to help with cleanup efforts. Those interested can send an email to city officials to be added to the volunteer list. 

New Richland's food shelf is accepting donations, including money and clothing.

A designated drop-off site for flood-damaged materials has also been established near the care center.

Despite facing her own losses, Weber said her thoughts remain with her neighbors.

"I'm just praying for everybody that's been affected," she said.