FOREST CITY, Mo. — After floodwater rushed through the Missouri towns of Craig and Fortescue, people living in Forest City were bracing for the worst late Thursday.
The unease was visible on the faces of the city's residents.
"This is our last line of defense that we are struggling to save,” South Holt County Fire Protection Assistant Chief Bill Killin said as he pointed to a line of sandbags.
Some parts of the day people waited for sand bags to protect the fresh water source for multiple cities.
"The more time we waste, the more time the water gets over," high school senior Eric Ottman said. "You kind of eagerly wait for more sand to build support for the levees."
"Something as simple as water: there is plenty out there and we are trying to keep it from going there,” Killin said of their efforts.
What is not taking its time is the water rushing through Holt County, Missouri.
"It is kind of crazy to think about, because usually when you come out here it is just land," Ottman said. "If (the water) goes over (the levee), that will be something you probably will never see again in your lifetime. You don’t want it to happen."
"It is sad," Killin said. "We were helping in Craig, but lost that. Now we are trying this. I hope we can save it."
Hundreds of farm acres have been flooded in Holt County. Some farmers say that will result in crops not being planted this year.
