National Guard soldiers helping with sandbagging in Dutchtown

As many as 40 Missouri National Guard soldiers could be helping people in Dutchtown protect their property from rising floodwaters when the full contingent of soldiers arrives.

Missouri National Guard spokeswoman Maj. Tamara Spicer said on Monday that an unspecified number of soldiers from the 1140th Engineer Battalion already were in Dutchtown helping with sandbagging and levee reinforcement efforts, and as many as 40 could be on scene before the work is done.

Dutchtown residents put out a call Sunday for help with sandbagging to protect the low-lying town from backwaters of the Diversion Channel, which is being pushed out of its banks by the rising Mississippi River.

As of Monday morning, the National Weather Service expected the river to crest at about 42 feet by Thursday, about 10 feet above flood stage, at Cape Girardeau. Dutchtown, at the intersection of Missouri highways 74 and 25, is the site of frequent flooding because of its low elevation and proximity to the Diversion Channel, a Mississippi River tributary. The river was at 38.49 feet and rising Monday morning.

Pertinent address:

Dutchtown, Mo.