Arlington, Va. - As of 4:30 p.m. EST civilian law enforcement officials in Minot, N.D. have ordered the emergency evacuation of 11,000 residents, due to the number of levees expected to be overtopped by the Souris River, Guard officials said today.
About 500 National Guard members are currently in Minot assisting with levee monitoring and citizen evacuations.
With the sounding of emergency alert sirens and the activation of the reverse 911 calling system, civilian authorities have requested that affected residents evacuate no later than 7 p.m. EST but highly encourage they evacuate as soon and as safe as possible, Guard officials said.
The river is expected to reach a level of 1563 feet above sea level in central Minot, which is significantly higher than the record set in 1881. Civilian authorities are encouraging residents beyond the nine mandatory evacuation zones to stay on Guard.
Commanders at Minot Air Force Base are offering shelters for Department of Defense personnel and their families whom have been affected by the floods.