Melting snow and rain has created dangerous floodwaters in the midwestern states of North Dakota and Minnesota. Crews, residents and volunteers have been piling sandbags and working diligently to strengthen the dikes holding back the swelling Red River and its tributaries.

This area was devastated in 1997 by cresting floodwaters that some people called "the flood of the century." Since the '97 flood, these regions have taken preventative measures to help minimize future flood damage. However, the dikes that are in place are designed to protect from flood crests only up to 50 feet. The Red River in Grand Forks is already at 43 feet and is expected to crest later this week. With significant rain forecasted, levee workers are rushing to bolster the levees up from 50 feet to 54 feet.

Operation Blessing's Hunger Strike Force dispatched a tractor-trailer load of bottled drinks this week to aid the levee workers. The Hunger Strike Force will deliver the relief drinks to the Minnesota Salvation Army who will distribute them to levee workers and volunteers along the threatened areas of Wahpeton, North Dakota, and Breckenridge, Minnesota.

In addition, Operation Blessing (OBI) has a relief plan set for action if the floodwaters crest above the dikes. "We are monitoring events along the river every hour and are prepared to respond if a dike breaks or floodwaters threaten homes or families," states Richard Kohl, OBI Director of Relief and Medical Missions. "If the flood walls break, relief items such as ice, drinking water, blankets, and food will become priority. We want to be prepared to help the residents." During the catastrophic floods of 1997, OBI delivered truckloads of supplies and aid to the midwest flood victims.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
You can help by making an online donation toward OBI's disaster relief efforts. With your support, we can continue to provide emergency relief and recovery. Please make an on-line donation today.

 

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