"Floods Again Force Families to Evacuate Minot, North Dakota"

"MINOT, ND -- Minot city officials, residents and the North Dakota National Guard today worked together to ensure a safe evacuation of some 12,000 people and 4,200 homes in Minot, as the Souris River overtopped its levees, flooding streets and washing away some homes.

Officials say this is the worst flooding in four decades. Warning sirens sounded across the city today, notifying residents that they must leave and take their belongings to avoid the historic flood waters as they spilled over the sides of levees for the second time in a month.

'It's a sad day for the people of this city, but one that brought the community together to ensure the safety of its citizens,' said Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general. 'Currently we have about 500 North Dakota Guard members on duty in the Minot-Burlington area during this historic flooding event. Right now our focus is on the safety of the Minot people.'"

Environment News Service had the story June 22, 2011.

SEE ALSO:

"Water Tops Levees In North Dakota City" (AP)

"Track the Nation’s Rivers: Missouri River Floods and Southern Drought" (Climate Central)

"Few Vacancies for Thousands of ND Flood Evacuees" (AP)