The North Dakota city of Minot is experiencing the worst flooding in four decades, with some predicting that the problem could continue until September. Officials are telling thousands of residents that they must evacuate their homes before the Souris River overflows levees for the second time this year.
In 1969, the river reached a record level of 1555 feet above sea level, but the National Weather Service predicts the river will reach 1563 feet by the weekend, with river flows more than three times the record amount, more than capable of topping protective levees. The predicted flooding may well be catastrophic.
The river has swelled considerably due to heavy spring snowmelt and heavier than average rainfall amounts.
More than 10,000 residents were ordered to evacuate earlier this month, then allowed to return. Continued rising river levels mandated that residents evacuate again, and the evacuation order was issued on Wednesday night.
Dykes currently in place are expected to be overrun by rapidly rising water, and flood waters are projected to impact the Souris River Valley at levels seven to eight feet higher than the benchmark levels recorded in 1969.
Officials have conceded that little can be done to stop the overflowing current, leaving few options except to evacuate and take what comes. Burlington Mayor and Ward County Commissioner Jerome Gruenberg, backed by a declaration from Gov. Jack Dalrymple, urged evacuations at all points along the river in Ward County. Dalrymple urged citizens to “move in an orderly and not panicky way.” Rick Hauck, Corps of Engineers, said the “saving lives” is now what is important.
The Minot Flood Recovery Committee is organizing a finance subcommittee to begin looking at ways to fund recovery. Congressman Rick Berg, R-N.D., is working with the state to include Souris River flooding in a House bill proposing $1 billion in flood aid along the Missouri and Mississippi rivers.
Joel Manske, North Dakota's field office director with Housing and Urban Development, said the community cannot wait to get a recovery plan in place before going after federal funding. When the disaster remains fresh is when there will be the greatest support for aid, Manske said. Over time, other disasters occur and grab attention, and the ability for Minot to access funding mechanisms will decline, he said.
The floods in North Dakota are proof positive that flooding can occur anywhere and at any time, not to mention that they are among the most destructive and deadly of all natural disasters. While there is no foolproof way to wholly prevent flood damage, you can take steps to minimize the damage.
Obviously, the lowest level of your home is going to be the primary target for water damage, so you’ll want to move all valuables to a higher level. Electrical appliances should be elevated above projected flood lines, and power outlets/electrical boxes should be raised ten or twelve inches.
Water Damage Local.com is your first choice for water damage problems. Our network of providers are available 24/7/365 and able to handle any problem large or small. We offer water removal, secondary drying, carpet cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, mold removal, and even structural repair and restoration, whatever is needed to return your home or business to its pre-loss condition.
Call Water Damage Local.com today for a free estimate or phone consultation.
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