Guard helps thousands flee floods

By Air Force Tech. Sgt. John Orrell
National Guard Bureau

North Dakota National Guard vehicles patrol one of the mandatory evacuation zones in Minot, N.D. on June 22, 2011. The patrols ensure that all citizens have evacuated their homes and to render any required assistance in the areas threatened by the rising water of the Souris River that has exceeded major flood stage. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp) (Released)
download hi-res photo

ARLINGTON, Va. (6/23/11) - As of 9:30 a.m. EST today the city of Minot, N.D. has evacuated about 12,000 residents in response to the Souris River overtopping several levees in and around the Minot area, Guard officials said.

Minot civilian authorities are anticipating that flood waters may reach an additional six to eight feet above the levees by 4 p.m. EST and will eventually be flowing at a rate of 28,000 cubic feet per second.

Due to the potential dangers local officials have decided that fighting the flood is no longer feasible and will brace for water levels to break the record levels of 1881.

“It’s a sad day for the people of this city, but one that brought the community together to ensure the safety of its citizens,” said Army Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general. “Right now our focus is on the safety of the Minot people.

“I am proud of the way our Soldiers and Airmen continue to assist the residents working shoulder-to-shoulder with the community and civil authorities.”

Today the North Dakota National Guard will be redirecting ambulances and 50 additional personnel to join the already 500 Guard members in Minot.

They will be performing airboat operations, security patrols, traffic control points and residential evacuations.

Sprynczynatyk said that as Citizen Soldiers and Airmen continue to work for their fellow residents, even with some of them being directly affected by these evacuations, the National Guard is always ready and always there.

“Whether it’s been traffic control, levee monitoring or evacuation assistance, our Guardsmen have performed well in every mission asked of them,” he said. “Through this catastrophic event, your Guard stands ready to assist.”

As with any activation, deployment or mobilization, the success of the Guard begins at home and in the workplace, Sprynczynatyk said.

“We are able to do our jobs successfully thanks to our employers and families for being supportive when we need it the most,” he said.

-- North Dakota National Guard contributed to this story

Printer Friendly