North Dakota flood operations continues; other states wrap up efforts

Photo By Staff Sgt. Sean McCollum | The Louisiana National Guard has begun planning for possible flooding in areas along the southeast border of Louisiana and Mississippi near the town of Pearl River, April 2. The planning consists of the LANG's preparation for assisting parish officials, protecting property and ensuring the public safety of the citizens in St. Tammany Parish and surrounding areas, and it also serves as disaster response training for the 2009 hurricane season.  

ARLINGTON, VA, UNITED STATES

04.06.2009

Story by Staff Sgt. Sean McCollum 

National Guard Bureau

ARLINGTON, Va. – Flood operations continue in North Dakota today, while missions in two other states have wrapped up and still another monitors the situation after heavy rains over the weekend.

More than 1,000 Guard members in North Dakota are still performing flood mitigation operations in the Red River Valley and the Missouri River areas, which are experiencing flooding due to the thawing of snow.

Current operations include including pumping operations in Lisbon, N.D., hauling gravel, and flood protection efforts in Drayton, N.D. They are being helped by UH-60 Black Hawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopters from Minnesota and Wisconsin.

In addition to active flood-fighting, the Guard is also protecting North Dakota citizens through dike patrols, temporary shelters and traffic control points.

Army Lt. Dan Murphy, the state public affairs officer for North Dakota, said troops will remain in place to monitor the river. A date has not been set for ending the mission.

North Dakota's neighbor across the river, Minnesota, relieved most of its Guard members from flood duty in the Moorhead, Minn., area April 3.

A small contingent remains on duty to monitor the river and pump operations in Norman and Marshall counties, provide security in the form of roving patrols and traffic control points as well as transportation and aviation support.

At the height of operations, more than 500 Minnesota Army and Air National Guard members were called up by the governor.

Louisiana also ended its response to a potential flood in Pearl River, a town on the state's border with Mississippi.

Guard and state officials monitored the weather and used the opportunity to train for the 2009 flood season by positioning high-water vehicles and helicopters in nearby Slidell and Hammond, La., to facilitate property protection and evacuation if necessary.

After the training, Guard officials said the troops are well prepared for any event that may come their way.

"Our Soldiers responded in a timely, professional manner in support of civil authorities and the local community," said Army Col. John Angelloz, commander of the 225th Engineer Brigade (Rear). "Their actions are a direct reflection of outstanding emergency operations training, tremendous leadership and a great volunteer spirit."

In Georgia, the state Joint Force Headquarters will continue to work with its civilian partners after heavy rains drenched the state over the weekend. Gov. Sonny Perdue declared a state of emergency in 10 counties today.

According to National Guard Bureau, the Federal Emergency Management Agency reported one fatality, two shelters were opened and numerous bridges and roads were closed throughout the state.

• Date Taken: 04.06.2009
• Date Posted: 04.06.2009 14:49
• Story ID: 32077
• Location: ARLINGTON, VA, US