Fargo evacuations directed; travel on major city roads to be shut down; sandbagging volunteers asked to work through the night

Talk about it

FARGO - Officials here are asking for voluntary evacatuions for those between contingency and first-line dikes in the next 24 hours, saying it could become mandatory after that.

Also, Fargo officials issued a mandatory evacuation in the River Vili and Riverview Estates areas in South Fargo. There are 35-40 homes in the River Vili neighborhood. Riverview Estates is a senior living center. The Fargo Police Department, Fire Department and National Guard are on the scene assisting residents. The evacuation was determined necessary after longitudinal cracks were found in the earthen levy built to protect the area from flood waters. Residents are not in immediate danger but are being evacuated as a safety precaution until the situation can be assessed and appropriate measures can be taken.

Commissioners unanimously passed a motion to shut down travel on all major roads in the city by midnight tonight.

It is unclear whether Code Red is being used. Fargo City Administrator Pat Zavoral called the system "sketchy" during an ongoing meeting tonight.

The Fargodome and Sandbag Central will be open through the night. Authorities are asking people to get there dikes up to 44 feet in the next 24 to 48 hours, including working through the night if needed. Those needing sand or bags to be brough to their neighborhood should call (701) 241-1545.

"One more day, one more foot," a commissioner quipped during the special meeting at City Hall tonight.

People in neighborhoods with dikes should try to help in those areas to avoid traveling.

Fargo Mayor Denis Walaker is asking people to take care of their backyards by pumping their backyards.

"People have to take responsibility to pump seepage," he said. Authorities may shut the water off at night if there is a breach. It would be turned on in the morning, Zavoral said.

There are 900 North Dakota National guard members here now and 500 more on the way, Gov. John Hoeven said.

Federal authorities are flying in C-130 military planes and bringing in trucks from Iowa, Sen. Byron Dorgan said.

"A lot is being done," he said.

Tags: local news, 2009 floods, breakingnews, daily updates