Walz authorizes National Guard to help with flooding
Gov. Tim Walz declared a peacetime emergency and called on the Minnesota National Guard to provide support for emergency flood operations in northwestern Minnesota.[WDIO, File]
On Sunday, Gov. Tim Walz declared a peacetime emergency and called on the Minnesota National Guard to provide support for emergency flood operations in northwestern Minnesota. Our recent rains and snowmelt has caused flash flooding across northwestern portions of the state. The assistance is authorized via Emergency Executive Order 22-08, and will provide emergency flood operations, including personnel, equipment, and resources.
“When our neighbors are in trouble, we step up to lend a hand,” said Governor Walz in a press release. “I am proud that the Minnesota National Guard has answered this call to serve. The support of the Guard will be critical to ensuring the safety of Minnesotans during this difficult time.”
Beginning on April 23, 2022, a severe spring storm system caused flash flooding. Flooding on the Red Lake River at Crookston has closed local roads and threatened key facilities, including a fire station and a housing development.
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Officials say several counties have declared local emergencies and activated their emergency operations plans. The Polk County sheriff and emergency manager have requested that the Minnesota National Guard assist with emergency sandbagging, patrol of flood protection systems, and potential evacuation operations.