North Dakota governor Jack Dalrymple warned North Dakota residents Wednesday that rising flood waters could present a precarious situation and that residents near the flood should consider moving.
“There will be a lot of water in the city of Minot,” Mr. Dalrymple told reporters.
The North Dakota governor chided the federal government, saying it must do more in order to assist the state as the flood waters continue to rise.
“Any person who is paying any attention whatsoever can easily see the tremendous damages to property across the state, Mr. Dalrymple said. “Many people who have left their homes cannot wait for assistance with living expenses.”
“I find it hard to believe that FEMA does not see the destructive effects of flooding on citizens in North Dakota. The damages to homes and businesses throughout the state are obvious.”
A mandatory evacuation announcement was made June 21 for all residents in the evacuation zones in the city of Minot. With the Souris River reaching record heights, the North Dakota city of Minot issued an evacuation order, evacuating more than one-quarter of its population Wednesday.
The evacuation orders come as North Dakota lawmakers agreed to hold a special session in order to review repair costs for state and local public works related to damage caused by spring and summer flooding. North Dakota Rep. Al Carlson, the House majority leader, said Wednesday that damage caused by the Minot flood would require additional funding.
“If Minot goes under, there’s no question that the money we’ve set aside will not be enough,” Mr. Carlson said.
