Minot ND has been battling the Souris river since at least mid April. They have built dikes, raised the dikes, and built secondary dikes. They evacuated on June 1st, then later were allowed back because the dikes worked and the crest passed. But now because of some severe rain storms in Canada, our neighbors to the north have to release water from three dams up there. The dams are at capacity, they have no choice. There is water coming down the river at 27,000 cubic feet per second. That may not sound like much, especially compared to rivers like the Missouri and Missippi, but this is a small river that normally has flows more in the 100 cfs range. It will be slowed somewhat by a dam north of the town, but they are still expecting 17,000 cfs going through the town. That will top the dikes and flood the town. They are evacuating again, the people have to be out of there by 6 PM tomorrow. The historic flood of '69 is the one people still talk about, it was bad. They are anticipating the water levels from this one to be at least 7 feet higher.
I am not in an area close to this river, I just have a lot of water in the yard from rain and cool temps but I would like to ask folks to take a minute and send prayers and/or warm wishes for the folks of Minot and all of the others battling floods, fires and other disasters. I know they are tired and probably pretty darn discouraged.
I am not in an area close to this river, I just have a lot of water in the yard from rain and cool temps but I would like to ask folks to take a minute and send prayers and/or warm wishes for the folks of Minot and all of the others battling floods, fires and other disasters. I know they are tired and probably pretty darn discouraged.
