Nebraska families ordered out of 22 flood-hit homes, even properties without major damage

Omaha residents of 22 flood-damaged homes were given 10 days to leave even though some properties did not suffer major damage.

Here's what to know

According to WOWT, the vacate order covers 22 homes in Millard Woods Estates, forcing families to quickly sort out where they can go and what they can still save from their flooded homes.

However, not every house was flooded beyond repair. Ron Wermes, who has been working on his daughter's house, told WOWT, "There's very little damage, maybe some flooring that might need to be replaced, at most a thousand dollars."

Even with those objections, the families in the affected homes still have 10 days before they are displaced.

Heartland Hope Mission CEO and executive director Chelsea Salifou told WOWT that the organization's immediate focus is helping the affected families as they pack up and try to secure another place to live.

More background

Salifou said Heartland Hope Mission's work includes not just Millard Woods Estates residents, but flood victims from across the Omaha metro. The group is also still assisting a few families recovering from the 2024 tornado, with recovery needs stretching for months and overlapping with new disasters.

Flood damage can force families from their homes, ruin essentials such as bedding, clothing, and kitchen supplies, and create sudden financial burdens tied to moving, repairs, and replacement items. 

In Millard Woods Estates, flooding has impacted public health, community safety, and economic stability for families who need shelter, supplies, and ongoing support.

Salifou said help is available in both English and Spanish so families can understand their options and access support without language barriers.

What's being done?

Heartland Hope Mission offers urgent aid and support that can continue after the first emergency phase. 

Salifou said, "We want to make sure we're connecting with those families, and if they need assistance getting their belongings packed up, totes for that, and then just getting rehoused, we want to make sure we're able to connect with them to get the services they need so they have a place to go."

For people who lost household essentials in the flooding, the organization said replacement supplies are available. Salifou said, "Everything from towels, to bedding, to kitchen goods, to clothing and shoes, cleaning supplies, they're able to come get the items that they need to replace."

Residents in Millard Woods Estates, and others who need help, can contact Heartland Hope Mission online or by phone at 402-733-1904.

Salifou added, "And we can also work with those families one on one to help figure out what they need and help connect them to available resources."

However, it remains to be seen what will be done for families who feel they should not have to leave at all.

Where can I learn more?

Here are more stories on evacuations, insurance complications, and long rebuilding timelines after major flooding and storms.

• In Washington state, historic floods wash away homes along the Skagit River and strand families.

• In Milwaukee, floods exposed how insurance gaps complicate recovery for homeowners and renters.

• In Alaska, storm evacuees won't return home for at least 18 months after Halong.

• In east Malaysia, catastrophic flood threatens multiple regions, sending hundreds of residents to relief centers.

• In Portugal and Spain, thousands were ordered to evacuate as Storm Leonardo brought extreme rainfall.

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