Christian Emergency Network (CEN)

Fargo, North Dakota in Flood Emergency Mode

(March 22, 2009) Christian Emergency Network (CEN) seeks the Church to pray for effective emergency preparedness systems now in high gear in Fargo, North Dakota and surrounding countryside. Flooding of the Red River dividing Fargo, ND and Moorhead, MN, along with many smaller rivers has begun and is expected to mushroom by Thursday if not before. Emergency management systems in ND and MN are highly organized and effective, especially having learned so much from the 1997 flood that received national attention.

Many area churches have dispatched teams to help their church families sandbag, and to help the city protect key flooding areas. Work has been occurring for several days. The Salvation Army and other first responder groups are providing shuttle service, food, bathroom breaks, and key communication updates. Public information meetings have been occuring; TV and radio have been on air with regular updates and volunteer instructions. The entire Fargo area has taken this flood preparedness seriously and are heavily involved but...

Complicating the situation this year is the fact that ND has had so much snow, that ditches and many rivers are still frozen and the flow of water from overland flooding and from rivers presents serious concern. Farmers and national guardmen have been chopping snow out of the ditches to free up water flow, both in Fargo and the surrounding countryside. Sandbags and equipment have been pre-positioned for many days, but sandbags cannot be used if they're frozen, and they cannot be placed on top of snow and ice.

County and city roads are already being closed. Universities, high schools, and many businesses are sending their students and employees to assigned sand bagging areas. There is 24-hour activity in light of rain occuring Sunday/Monday, with snow again expected Tues/Wed and temperatures below freezing predicted for later in the week. Emergency response teams from surrounding counties and states are en route to Fargo.

Though in preparedness mode for several days now, the affected counties are now addressing the latest from the National Weather Service that puts the crisis occuring 1 day earlier than expected, and that the temperary dikes need to be higher than earlier announced. The Red River (flowng north and thus carrying with it all the water from south of Fargo) is now expected to crest 41 feet above flood stage, and will likely crest several times within the next few weeks, depending on additional rain and snow.

Overland flooding, the real crisis of the '97 story, will again be a major piece to this 2009 early spring flood story.

Be in prayer for God to protect this area, and that His Church will continue to be effective in the Fargo area -- both in helping others, and through sharing the comfort and truths of Jesus Christ in the midst of facing this flood.

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