Flood update lists damages, plans

News that nearly a dozen homes will likely be deemed a total loss, and up to the four foot high mark of the walls of the New Richland Care Center will be gutted and replaced was shared during a press conference outside City Hall Thursday afternoon, Sept. 24, 2026.

Last weekend's rain totalling roughly nine inches caused severe damage, affecting nearly 80% of homes in New Richland, also resulting in the evacuation of the local care center. 

 

“I want to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to the residents of the City of New Richland and the State of Minnesota who have come together these past few days,” New Richland City Administrator Tyler Lendt told reporters. “As we continue our cleaning up and rebuilding, we’re also working hard to help New Richland regain a sense of normalcy. It may take time, but every step forward matters.”

 

After thanking a long list of people, agencies and volunteers, Lendt offered a summary of the town’s status to date, along with a list of intended steps forward. 

 

He stated it will take six to 12 months to carry out repairs at the city’s care center: “We are committed to reopening it as soon as possible,” Lendt said.

 

Evidently somewhat emotional over the outpouring of assistance and goodwill, a teary-eyed Lendt concluded his statements, expressing gratitude to “every single person” for “helping us move forward,” before fielding questions from the media. 

 

Lendt said the city is committed to working with county, state, and federal governments to secure funding to help mitigate future flooding problems. He emphasized the cost to mitigate flooding risks is 10 times the annual city budget. 

 

What can people looking to help do? The following supplies are needed:

Cleaning supplies, including masks and gloves

Mold remediation cleaners, bleach, disinfectant

At this time, the city cannot accept donations of clothing.

 

Donations can be dropped off at New Richland City Hall, 203 Broadway Ave. N. New Richland, MN.

 

Lendt added that state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management officials informed him they have requested Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) cooperation for a joint preliminary damage assessment, one of the steps needed for possible federal assistance funding. More information is expected next week on that collaboration.

 

For more information about New Richland or on-going developments, please go to the city's website, or follow the city on Facebook.

 

The Waseca Area Foundation has set up a donation fund to support New Richland Residents. Donations can be made through their website. Checks can be made out to: New Richland Area Foundation (note flood relief) and sent to 501 E Elm Ave, Waseca, MN 56093.