ARLINGTON, Va. — About 580 Missouri National Guard personnel were assisting Tuesday with flood-relief efforts in the hard-hit state, where at least two people have died.
Gov. Eric Greitens activated the Soldiers and Airmen on Sunday. The mission end date is to be determined, according to the National Guard Bureau.
Soldiers and Airmen have performed varied tasks: Flying aerial surveys in Lakota and Black Hawk helicopters, a few rescues, transporting first responders and hauling sand for sandbags, a state Guard spokesman said Tuesday.
"Parts of the Meramec, Gasconade and Mississippi Rivers are likely to flood higher than we've ever seen in Missouri's recorded history," Greitens said at a Sunday news conference. "For example, the Current River at Van Buren, the highest recorded flood up until Sunday was 29 feet. We're expecting that by Tuesday at 7 a.m., we're going to see 37 feet."
"As of 1500 (3 p.m.) on Sunday, we have done 111 evacuation operations and 136 separate rescue operations," Greitens said.
Fallen tree limbs, power lines, and swift water have been reported in several parts of the state. Some of Missouri's bridges and structures have been washed out. More than 700 state roads have been closed.
In a statement, Greitens said, "Thank you to our first responders for their courageous and capable work to keep Missouri families safe and to protect property. Together, we took early action to prepare for this storm, and our pre-staged rescue teams are now executing operations across Missouri. Please stay safe and stay away from rising water."