Governor Matt Blunt has initiated a series of rapid responses to ensure the state is ready to face what could be a major flooding problem. Rain from recent spring thunderstorms has filled streams and rivers. And, there is flooding in some places along the Missouri River, particularly in Buchanan County in northwest Missouri.
Through three executive orders 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 Missouri Department of Transportation and Federal Motor Carrier restrictions on commercial vehicles responding with relief efforts.
The Governor’s emergency response agencies have met and have begun a campaign to identify fastest methods to deploy sandbags, pumps and other necessary equipment. In addition, a flood risk assessment team to include personnel from MoDOT, SEMA, the Missouri National Guard, the Department of Natural Resources, 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.
