People are being displaced from their homes, commuters are finding fewer and fewer avenues to get to and from work, crops are suffering and morale is in the gutter.

The region is in the midst of some of the worst flooding ever. It has arrived on the heels of a tornado that struck two weeks ago and destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses in the region. Local, state and federal relief efforts have been activated, but this also is a time when neighbors helping neighbors is essential.

New Hartford was one of the communities hit hardest by the tornado of May 25. On Sunday, a major portion of the city was evacuated because of flooding.

"It's just so devastating," said New Hartford resident Lorrie Martin, whose house on Washington Street was taking in water. "The whole town has low morale because it's been so stressful" since the tornadoes.

Red Cross shelters opened Sunday at the West Gym in Cedar Falls and at Hoover Middle School in Waterloo.

Maryann Sinkler, a spokeswoman for the Red Cross said about 200 people took shelter in the West Gym Sunday night.

"One man and his wife lost their home in the tornado, got help from us and found a rental house in New Hartford," Sinkler said. "Then that house got water in it and they were here last night."

For those directly affected by both the tornado and the flooding, it would be easy enough to throw your hands up in the air in desperation.

These are the folks who not only need help with moving possessions and cleaning up home sites, but also could use the warmth of human interaction and the feeling of solace from knowing they live in a supportive community.

Iowa Gov. Chet Culver, who was in the area after the tornado hit, made a return visit to witness the destruction from the flooding.

"It's obviously a state challenge, what we're dealing with," Culver told reporters at the makeshift shelter at the West Gym. "But we wanted to get here today and lend our support and thank the volunteers."

There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer. Calls for sandbaggers will likely continue. Clean-up efforts will linger into the future.

A long, icy winter; a terrifying tornado, and destructive floods. It's working on the collective psyche of residents of the region. Remember those who have suffered the most and are in need of a strong back or a tender hug.

Help a neighbor or a stranger if you can.

"We're talking about something we haven't seen in recent history," Culver said.

We hope we don't witness it again in the foreseeable future.