Minot steadily recovers from flooding

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jose L. Hernandez
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
On June 6, Minot city officials began allowing residents near certain vulnerable flooding zones to return home.

After more than one week of mandatory evacuations due to threats of flooding, normal day-to-day operations have steadily begun to take place in Minot.

The flooding situation began May 31, with the Souris River's unexpected rise in water levels, which led emergency management officials to evacuate more than 10,000 Minot residents from their homes.

Among the evacuees were more than 780 Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen and families, leading many to seek shelter with friends and relatives in unaffected areas.

In response to the mandatory evacuations, Minot Air Force Base offered emergency shelter on base to all military members, including DoD civilians and their families, who had been affected.

Twenty-year retired Air Force veteran, Frank Zizumbo, was one of several evacuees who sought shelter on base due to the short-notice evacuations set by city officials. He said when the order came down to leave he and his family packed only their essentials and began searching for lodging all throughout Minot. Searching for a place to stay was difficult given the mass influx of people checking into the hotels throughout the city, said Mr. Zizumbo.

"When I found out the base was offering shelter, I was very relieved," said Mr. Zizumbo. "If it wasn't for the military helping me out here, I honestly don't know where I would have gone."

He added base personnel were very hospitable, stating they even offered meals to them and snacks throughout the day.

"I am very thankful of the service provided by the base; they really take care of their community," said Mr. Zizumbo. "I'm very grateful I had a place to sleep, rest and enjoy the company of my family."

One key factor since the initiation of evacuations that has helped Minot fare with flooding difficulties has been the help it has received from the North Dakota National Guard. Within a matter of days, approximately 600 Guardsmen arrived in the Minot area to support non-stop flood containment operations as well as provide presence patrols throughout the designated evacuation zones.

Guardsmen contributed to flood operations by managing traffic flow, patroling the streets of evacuated zones for possible looting and work alongside the City of Minot to reinforce dike systems along the Souris River to prevent overflow.

Team Minot Airmen also pitched in to help the community by volunteering in sandbagging efforts, which the mayor said the city was in great need of help.

Staff Sgt. Rodrigo Camacho, 5th Civil Engineer Squadron heating ventilation and air conditioning craftsman, said he volunteered to help out with sandbagging efforts because it was for a good cause and it helped not only Minot residents, but servicemembers living in the city as well. He said as a religious person, he's all about helping out those in need.

"I've lived here in Minot for four years and I am always looking to volunteer wherever I can," said Sergeant Camacho. "I feel it's part of my duty and I like lending a hand of support."