In Cedar Rapids, at least 20,000 have been forced from their homes, and officials say it could be four days before the Cedar River drops enough for workers to even begin pumping out water.
The river crested Friday night at nearly 32 feet, 12 feet higher than the old record set in 1929.
Flood waters have swamped more than 400 blocks, threatened the city's drinking supply and forced the evacuation of a downtown hospital. Only one of the city's half-dozen wells was working, and it was protected by sandbags and pumps powered by generators.
The damage in Cedar Rapids is extensive, with a preliminary estimate of $737 million.
Gov. Chet Culver has declared 83 of the state's 99 counties disaster areas, a designation that helps speed aid and opens the way for loans and grants.
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