Renville County Declares Three Disasters Amid Extreme Weather

UPDATE: Renville County, Minnesota, has just declared three new natural disasters in 2025 due to a series of extreme weather events, including a catastrophic windstorm and an early winter storm. These declarations keep Renville among the top counties in Minnesota for disaster responses, with a staggering total of 33 state and federal declarations since records began.

During a report presented to the County Board of Commissioners on March 3, 2025, Emergency Management Director Mike Hennen detailed the impact of these disasters, highlighting a trend of increasing weather-related catastrophes. “Different patterns,” Hennen noted, indicating that severe rain events are becoming more frequent and intense.

The first disaster involved a powerful windstorm that toppled 120 power poles, disrupting electricity for numerous residents. Just weeks later, heavy rainfall caused significant flooding, damaging rural roads and leading to flooded basements in the city of Renville. The third disaster saw emergency services scrambling to assist 50 vehicles stranded in white-out conditions, prompting the opening of emergency shelters in both Fairfax and Olivia. Fortunately, the white-out conditions were short-lived, with only a few motorists requiring shelter.

These disaster declarations are crucial as they unlock federal and state funding for uninsured public infrastructure repairs. Renville County successfully met the criteria for state assistance during all three events, which means 75 percent of losses will be covered by state funds for uninsured public property. In cases where disasters meet federal criteria, the federal government contributes 75 percent of aid, while the state covers 25 percent.

However, private losses for homeowners, particularly from the June flooding, are much harder to claim. Hennen emphasized that obtaining federal or state financial help for private property damage is “nearly impossible.” To mitigate risks, Renville County and six of its ten municipalities participate in the federal flood insurance program, allowing homeowners to secure flood insurance.

The county’s proactive approach to emergency management may explain its high number of disaster declarations. Commissioners noted that many counties lacking dedicated staff may miss out on vital state and federal aid. Renville County’s emergency management is not only focused on responding to disasters but also on preparing for future events. Hennen revealed that the department employed a summer intern to document vulnerable public infrastructure, aiding in future requests for disaster declarations.

As extreme weather becomes more frequent, Renville County stands ready to respond. The urgency of these recent declarations highlights the critical need for ongoing preparedness and resilience in the face of changing climate patterns. Residents are urged to stay informed and consider flood insurance options to safeguard against future disasters.

Stay tuned for further updates as Renville County navigates these challenges.