Hoeven: Flood Fight In Fargo And Around State Continues

Press Release

Hoeven: Flood Fight In Fargo And Around State Continues

Extensive State Resources Deployed to Support the Effort

Gov. John Hoeven today said the State of North Dakota continues to fight rising waters in Fargo and other locations across North Dakota.

Hoeven has been in Fargo since Thursday working with local and federal officials to fight flooding in Fargo, Cass County and the Red River Valley region. The National Weather Service indicates the Red River of the North crested earlier today.

"We are mustering all of our state agencies and working with federal and local officials to meet this unprecedented event, as well as other flooding around the state," Hoeven said. "Historic levels on the Red River are testing our resources, but not our resolve to do everything in our power to meet the challenge and protect this community."

Hoeven has tasked more than a dozen state agencies to provide help to citizens affected by the disaster. These include the N.D. National Guard, Department of Emergency Services, State Water Commission, Department of Health, and others are providing resources and expertise to more than a dozen communities across the state contending with flooding or the risk of flooding. Activities include the following:

* The Governor has assigned the Department of Emergency Services to coordinate statewide flood mitigation and response activities. He activated the State Emergency Operation Center (EOC) to facilitate the state response. DES launched a Joint Information Center (JIC) for state agencies.
* The Governor has deployed more than 2,400 National Guardsmen, with 1,700 in southeast North Dakota, to address flooding in the state. Minnesota, South Dakota, Montana and Missouri have also provided contingencies. National Guard members are providing equipment and personnel to help communities with tasks such as filling and distributing sandbags, including one-ton sandbags to patch breaches; patrolling dikes, evacuating neighborhoods, breaking ice jams and mitigating flooding. The state has enlisted the U.S. Border Patrol to use unmanned aerial vehicles to provide intelligence on the Red River. The Guard has formed Joint Operation Center's (JOC) in the east and the west. Jointly with local officials, they have formed quick response teams to address leaks or breaches in the levies.
* The State Water Commission continues to provide data to decision makers as they plan flood mitigation and response efforts. They are also providing information and advising on ice jam management.
* The N.D. Health Department transported vulnerable individuals from threatened hospitals, nursing homes, and extended care facilities in Fargo to Bismarck; additional individuals were placed with their families. The agency has also helped to identify buses and ambulances in North Dakota and surrounding states to assist with other health facility evacuations, and arranged volunteer medical staff to assist patients.
* N.D. Highway Patrol and Department of Transportation are assisting with security and traffic management.
* The N.D. Department of Human Services is sheltering vulnerable individuals evacuated from Fargo at facilities in Grafton, Bismarck, and the State Hospital; providing mental health professionals to Red Cross shelters; working with county social service offices in 34 counties to begin supplemental nutrition assistance; and working to provide childcare needs in flood affected areas. DHS and Department of Health are preparing sheltering locations for about 3000 residents with special needs.

Other state agencies are working to provide support, as well.

"We've had unprecedented weather and flooding in North Dakota this year, and we will continue to work with our communities around the state to respond as needed," Hoeven said. "Throughout it all, the response by North Dakota citizens has been both inspiring and heartwarming."

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