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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, April 17, 2009
CONTACT: Brooke Bohnenkamp, Public Information Officer, 605.773.3178
Moreau River Flooding: State Sends Resources
PIERRE, SD – Late last night, the state dispatched resources to protect Dewey and Ziebach County homes from flood waters. The Moreau River is at flood stage and is threatening homes on the Cheyenne River Reservation near Thunder Butte and Green Grass.
More than 30 Department of Corrections inmates arrived last night to assist the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe with sandbagging efforts. Additionally, the state supplied about 85 tons of sand this morning. The state also launched a Civil Air Patrol flight to assess flood conditions.
The South Dakota Department of Public Safety reminds those in flooded areas of the following safety tips:
- Don’t drive through flood waters. It can be difficult to determine how deep the water is and if a current exists. Even shallow waters with a small current can sweep vehicles away.
- Avoid downed power lines.
- Stay out of flood waters. Flood waters often are contaminated with sewage and disease-causing pathogens.
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