Minden, Iowa – Almost half of Minden, Iowa, has been left devastated by a tornado that ripped through the town, causing widespread destruction. The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office reported that around 40 to 50 homes were destroyed, accounting for approximately half of the town’s residential properties.
The tornado struck Minden at around 6 p.m. on a Friday evening, shattering gas lines, causing leaks, and toppling power lines, resulting in the town losing electricity. Early Saturday morning, authorities confirmed that there were four injuries, with three individuals treated and released, while the fourth person remained hospitalized.
Residents of Minden were prohibited from entering or leaving the town, with access restricted to only those who lived within the town limits. However, the town of Peria, Iowa, offered assistance to those affected by the storm in Minden. Pottawattamie County officials estimated that a total of about 120 homes and businesses across the county had been damaged.
It was reported that the tornado sounded like a freight train, leaving residents shocked and traumatized by the sudden and intense destruction it wrought upon their community. Despite the challenges faced by Minden, officials emphasized that outside volunteer assistance was not currently being sought, indicating a focus on managing the immediate aftermath of the disaster.
Efforts to restore power and address the extensive damage caused by the tornado are underway, with updates and support available for affected residents. As the town begins the process of recovery and rebuilding, the resilience and strength of the community in the face of such devastation are highlighted. Through unity and support, Minden is gradually working towards healing and restoration in the wake of the destructive tornado.