Partial evacuations have begun in Fargo and Moorhead and the mission base in Fargo has been evacuated.

 

This is from Col Altenburg:

 

"This evening, the mission base in Fargo was evacuated.  The crest for the Red River was predicted to be near 43 feet, 2 feet higher than predicted just days ago. 

 

Mandatory evacuations have been order throughout areas along the river within both Fargo and Moorhead including the local hospitals. 

 

Ground operations were suspended to allow our volunteers to focus on their own family.  Air operations are being moved to the Casselton airport 20 miles west of Fargo. 

 

Aircraft from Fargo and Grand Forks will be flown to Casselton at first light Friday. 

 

Once air and ground resources are consolidated in Casselton, we will continue to provide disaster relief for the communities of the Red River valley.

Members from the Minnesota Wing were sent to Moorhead, MN so that they could continue to assist with flood fighting in their home state.

It has been incredible to see the hard work of the 100s of CAP volunteers all fighting to protect homes and critical infrastructure.  They have demonstrated the highest degree of selfless service during this time of crisis."

 

Update:

 

The river is expected to crest at 43 feet sometime tomorrow. A leak of the dike in Fargo prompted an evacuation of a neighborhood and our people were evacuated as a precaution. People are still working valiantly to save their communities.

 

Minnesota: Ground operations were suspended pending the next tasking. This is a message that Lt Col Wilberg, MNWG/DOS sent to his wing a few minutes ago:

"As of Thursday night, Minnesota Wing has suspended operations in the Fargo/Morehead area.  We will continue to work with state and local officials to provide response efforts as requested.

Thank you to everyone who has been involved.  Everyone I have talked to has told me that everyone performed in an extremely professional manner and represented CAP very well.  Col Altenburg, Commander of ND Wing, also asked me to pass along his thanks to everyone in MN Wing for the great response and all of your hard work in the area.

A reminder that no member is to take any action related to the flooding without coordinating through the MN Wing ES Department and the designated IC for flood operations.  Maj Rossini is currently the IC for all flood operations.  All operations must be coordinated through him.  He is working closely with myself and the wing leadership to ensure that we provide the best possible response to this event.

We still expect more operations to continue, both in the Red River Valley and elsewhere in MN as requested.  All personnel should remain ready to respond, both in the air and on the ground."
 

North Dakota: ND Wing did some Flight Ops yesterday and the images are on the web here: http://www.ncrpao.org/specials/2009_floods/20090326_nd_aerial_1.htm

 

South Dakota: Took images of the flooding in Brown County, SD yesterday (3-26). They can be accessed at this link: http://www.sdcap.us/brown_co_flooding.htm

 

Also posted are images taken on 3-21 of the James River in SD. Link: http://www.sdcap.us/james_river_flooding_march_21.htm

 

Media Coverage:

 

Operations have received some good  local coverage. Thanks to the PAO's who are working in their communities and getting the word out. Highlights include:

 

Mankato Free Press: http://www.mankatofreepress.com/local/local_story_086002154.html

 

Bemidji Pioneer: http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/articles/rss.cfm?id=22461&section=Homepage

 

Mankato TV: http://www.keyc.com/node/19573

 

In Closing:

 

We will work to get more images and information out to you later today or tomorrow.

 

Our members have done an outstanding job under very tough conditions. Many have been working for over a week on this mission and have every right to be proud of their service.

 

Please keep the people in the Flood Zone in your thoughts and prayers.