More from Minot

North Dakota National Guardsmen and Airmen from nearby Minot Air Force Base continue to reinforce levees in the city of Minot, N.D.

North Dakota National Guard is on the scene in Minot.

Things are not going well along the Mouse River, but they could be worse.  This press release was posted today:

Airman 1st Class Jessica McConnell
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

6/25/2011 – MINOT, N.D. (AFNS) — The mayor of the city of Minot held a press conference here June 24 to provide important updates on the flooding situation, which currently is affecting some 11,000 residents and more than 1,000 Airmen and their families.

According to a National Weather Service representative, the Souris River reached a historic height of 1559.69 feet on June 24, and is expected to crest at 1563.6 feet by June 26, which is an average of 3 ½ to 4 ½ feet higher than it is now.

Members of the Army Corps of Engineers, city officials, contractors, and North Dakota National Guardsmen are working around the clock to build levees.

Minot Mayor Curt Zimbelman said city officials estimate 2,400 to 4,000 homes have already been damaged by the flooding.

In attendance at the press conference was Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, the North Dakota National Guard adjutant general. During the conference he provided an update on the military presence and participation in Minot’s flood fight.

“The National Guard and Airmen from Minot Air Force Base are constantly engaged in the quick reaction force project mission,” the general said. “Whenever there is a levee being breached and there is something we can do about it, our people respond, whether it is with their trucks, sandbags or clay material.

“In addition, we continue to build additional levees where they can still make a difference,” he said. “We have been putting up sandbag levees 24 hours a day for the last several days. We are involved in the search and rescue aspect as well, working hand in hand with the Sheriff’s Department to ensure our resources are available to the city.

“We are working as a team and unified effort to provide support for this city, county and surrounding communities,” he said.

Preparing for the worst, hoping for the best.

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