The presidential emergency declaration that was issued April 7 for parts of North Dakota has been expanded to include Benson, Eddy, Nelson, Ramsey and Towner counties and the Spirit Lake Nation.
"The rising waters of Devils Lake are inundating roads and could potentially leave some residents isolated and unable to be reached by first responders," said Willie Nunn, a coordinating officer with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. "This declaration allows the federal government to provide search-and-rescue resources as well as any other lifesaving needs requested by the state."
Under the declaration, FEMA directs federal assets to provide assistance based on requests from the state. Numerous federal agencies have been involved in functions ranging from search-and-rescue operations to law enforcement to interoperable communications.
The emergency declaration now includes a total of 14 North Dakota counties and one reservation. Other counties include: Barnes, Cass, Grand Forks, Pembina, Ransom, Richland, Traill, Walsh and Ward Counties.
