Christian NGOs Send Teams to N. Dakota for Flood Relief
Several major Christian relief groups have sent teams to respond to the record-breaking flood in North Dakota where the Red River has risen to a 112-year high as of early Friday.
Disaster relief specialists from Operation Blessing International were sent in advance of the flood to Fargo, N.D., to plan relief efforts, the Virginia Beach-based ministry stated on Thursday.
The OBI team of first responders arrived Thursday morning and met with local authorities and emergency managers to plan how to mobilize a portable kitchen to feed the thousands of responders and emergency workers. They also discussed how to bring in heavy equipment to clear debris after the flooding.
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Meanwhile, The Salvation Army of Fargo has helped feed and provide spiritual care to residents affected by the flooding and flood responders since early this week. Six canteens (mobile feeding kitchens) and three emergency response trailers are on site in Fargo, the evangelical ministry reported.
As of Tuesday evening, the Salvation Army spent more than 2,000 hours serving more than 28,000 prepared meals, 94,000 drinks and 103,000 snacks to workers and volunteers at flood prevention sites. Overall, more than 110,000 people were helped in the early stages of the operation.
The Salvation Army is working with the Red Cross to meet the needs of the community.
Likewise, Lutheran Disaster Response teams are also preparing to provide clean-up assistance as well as spiritual support.
As of early Friday, the Red River has risen to 40.32 feet, or more than 22 feet above flood stage. The river's level is the highest water mark since 1897, when it rose to 40.1 feet. It is expected to rise as high as 43 feet on Saturday.
Fargo Mayor Dennis Walaker said Friday that an additional 800 guards from North Dakota and South Dakota will be added to the 900 troops already in place to patrol dikes for breaches. Fargo's main dike can protect the city up to 43-feet water level.
Hundreds of residents have been evacuated from homes, hospitals, and nursing homes in Fargo.
The city plans to raise dikes to 44 feet on the south side of Fargo.
