Missouri Gov. Blunt Activates State Emergency Operations Center, Readies State for Anticipated Flooding

JEFFERSON CITY-Gov. Matt Blunt today initiated a series of rapid responses to ensure the state is ready to face what has been predicted by the National Weather Service as another major flood.

"First and foremost my concern is for the safety of Missourians," said Blunt. "Right now we are increasing our efforts to prepare communities in high-risk areas along the Missouri river and execute proper safety precautions. Under my direction, the state is working in a preparation phase while continuing to monitor weather conditions across the state. I urge Missourians to exercise extreme caution as we prepare for this emergency."

Rain from the recent spring thunderstorms have filled streams and rivers saturating the ground and causing concern for severe flooding along the Missouri river. The flooding forecast is based almost solely on rain that has already fallen so there is a strong indication much of Missouri will be flooded as the flood crest works downstream. Buchanan County in northwest Missouri has flooded areas and some counties have requested Corps of Engineer sandbags.

Through three executive orders, Gov. Blunt has declared a state of emergency enacting the State's Emergency Operations Center to a level two with all coordinating agencies working around the clock, deployed Missouri National Guardsmen to affected counties to work as liaisons in local emergency operation centers, and waived some MoDOT and Federal Motor Carrier restrictions on commercial vehicles responding with relief efforts.

The governor's emergency response agencies met this morning and have begun an aggressive campaign to identify key resources and fastest methods to deploy sandbags, pumps and other necessary equipment. SEMA will continue hosting conference calls with affected counties and responding state agencies.

A flood risk assessment team to include MoDOT, SEMA, Missouri National Guard, Department of Natural Resources, Corps of Engineers and the National Weather Service has been developed to work on projection maps to determine which counties have potential trouble spots for flooding and landslides. The Missouri State Highway Patrol is also conducting aerial surveillance of bridges and waterways.