Record Nebraska floods caused estimated $642 million in damage

March 19-- Mar. 19--Record floods in Nebraska caused an estimated $642 million in damage, according to reports from the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency Tuesday -- but many may not be covered by insurance policies for damage to property or belongings as a result of the flooding.

Following a rainstorm that began March 12, flooding across parts of eastern and Nebraska caused widespread damage that forced thousands to evacuate -- with many still unable to access their homes.

Cars, roads, homes, businesses and livestock were all impacted by record-breaking floods that occurred after inches of rain fell on top of snow, causing ice to break up and water to overflow onto the land.

A total of $265,239,915 has been reported in damage -- $205 million public and $59 million private. However, agency estimates the total public and private damage caused by the flooding is more than $642 million.

The exact number of damages may be difficult to determine at the time, however, as many are still unable to access their homes and businesses due to roads and bridges that were submerged or destroyed by the water.

Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the U.S., according to FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program.

Despite many homes and property left damaged by feet of rising water, many homeowners may be left without the help of insurance to repair their homes.

As noted in a consumer alert from NEMA's Department of Insurance, "most standard homeowners and renters policies do not typically cover water damage due to flood for the structure of its contents."

Homeowners like Mike and Shelly Tietze of Ashland, Neb., consider themselves lucky because they live close to a lake and have flood insurance. However, as the Tietzes told the Daily News Monday, many people whose homes were flooded live miles from any water source -- and never could have imagined the need for flood insurance.

Additionally, varying policies for car insurance and farm insurance may or may not cover damage done to vehicles, farm equipment, or loss of livestock.

FEMA resources may provide some relief to those affected, however, NEMA said. A number of fundraisers have also been started to help raise money or collect donated items for people, in an effort to help those who have lost property and been displaced.

As of 7 p.m. Monday, 74 cities and 65 counties in Nebraska had made emergency declarations following the floods.

The Missouri River, the Elkhorn River and the Platte River -- the three main rivers in Nebraska -- were all estimated to crest above record peak levels, among many other small rivers in the Midwest. Some of these rivers would break previous flood levels held since 1960 by 5.5 feet, according to NEMA.

Intense flooding was even visible from space, as noted by satellite pictures from NASA.

A full list of resources for those affected by the flood can be found on NEMA's website.

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