Flooding wreaks havoc in Iowa while most of US sizzles in heat

Rising floodwaters, a consequence of prolonged rainfall over several weeks wreaked havoc in parts of Iowa disrupting life and causing mass evacuation. (Photo: AP)

Iowa issued an evacuation order to hundreds of households as the Rock River had reached its capacity due to the relentless rain that had been battering the area as the residents of Rock Valley, a small town with a population of 4,200, were jolted awake by the sound of sirens. (Photo: AP)

Governor Kim Reynolds announced a state of emergency for 21 counties located in the northern part of Iowa. The declaration includes Sioux County, where the town of Rock Valley is located. (Photo: AP)

Iowa governor Kim Reynolds flew in a helicopter over the flood affected regions.
"Flying over flood ravaged NW IA with members of my cabinet from Natl Guard, DPS, DOT, DNR and HHS. Rivers cresting above 1993 record levels and the devastation is widespread. I’m committing the full resources of the state & coordinating with fed. agencies to help Iowans recover," posted the governor on X. (Photo: Governor Kim Reynolds' X handle)

Sioux City Fire Rescue's Urban Search and Rescue team assisted in evacuating Rock Valley, Iowa. (Photo: AP)

As Iowa grapples with devastating floods, many parts of US remain in the relentless clutches of oppressive heat and humidity. According to the National Weather Service, approximately 15 million individuals are currently under a heat warning, the most severe level of alert, while an additional 90 million people are under a heat advisory. (Photo: AFP)

Forecasts indicated that Washington, DC, and Richmond, Virginia, would experience temperatures reaching approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius). Meanwhile, several other cities, including Philadelphia; Newark, New Jersey; Columbus, Ohio; and Detroit, were preparing for temperatures in the upper 90s. (Photo: AFP)