Region making plans to fight flood, help victims; Red Cross calls event 'widespread'

As rain continues to fall and the Mississippi River continues to rise, several local agencies are working to respond.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Missouri National Guard and American Red Cross were all making plans to help those affected by flooding Monday afternoon.

The Southeast Missouri Chapter of the American Red Cross will opened a shelter today at the Salvation Army in Cape Girardeau for flood victims, but is now moving the shelter to the Osage Center.

"Our phones have been ringing off the hook this morning," said Sara Gerau, Red Cross development director. "This is just so widespread."

The Missouri National Guard was activated to assist in flood relief efforts by Gov. Jay Nixon Monday afternoon.

The 1140th Engineer Battalion of the Missouri National Guard, located in Cape Girardeau, is ready said Michelle Queiser, spokeswoman for the Missouri National Guard, early Monday afternoon.

"Right now we are assessing what is needed where," she said.

The National Guard has sent officers Mississippi and Butler Counties in Southeast Missouri already, Queiser said.

"I'm sure that list will be growing. Our units are ready and prepared to answer to whatever the communities might be needing," she said. It's unknown at this time how many officers may be involved in the response effort, she said.

The Mississippi River is scheduled to crest Wednesday at 43 feet in Cape Girardeau. That's 11 feet above flood stage. Meanwhile, more storms and heavy rains are forecast in the coming days.

"Right now, we are taking it 48 hours at a time," said Mike Petersen, public affairs officer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. "We are meeting twice a day and have been working well in advance. We've planned for this and we're addressing it."

Petersen urged those in areas near waterways to pay close attention to the conditions around them.

"If you see roads closed, they're closed for a reason," he said. "If you see water covering the roads, don't drive through it. Stay safe out there."

mmiller@semissourian.com

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