East St. Louis announces state of emergency days after historic floods

st. LOUIS, Missouri (KMOV) – Thursday, East He said the city of St. Louis declared a state of emergency after historic flooding occurred on Tuesday.

Mayor Robert Eastern III declared a state of emergency on Tuesday, according to a press release issued Thursday.

St. Clair County also issued a disaster declaration on Thursday, but said it was enacted Wednesday.

Many parts of Metro West issued a disaster declaration on Tuesday shortly after the floods.

“I called the governor’s office today…they haven’t heard anything from the mayor declaring this a national disaster,” said Denise Smith, a resident of East St. Louis. “I had a two-year-old daughter, so I basically had to walk through neck-high water and carry her over my head. Why FEMA and people like that?” Most of us have been calling 911 since Tuesday, no response, heard nothing, I have nowhere to go. We have no financial resources, so I rely on them.”

Smith told News 4 that the city has accommodated stranded residents at the DraftKings Casino Queen Hotel, but it is unclear how long residents will be able to stay.

“I’m still shocked that it’s this high,” said Shannon Smith, whose family lives near Mary and Terrace.

Smith told News 4 his niece and aunt had to evacuate.

“Her basement etc. is flooded,” she said. “I haven’t seen anything like this happen in a long time, but if it’s happened before, I mean, they should know it should happen again. Something needs to be put in place to help these people.”

News 4 reached out to the East St. Louis Mayor’s Office several times, and a spokesperson said he was out Thursday.

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