Governor Blunt Assesses Winfield Levee Breach, Mississippi River Flooding

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

June 27, 2008

Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290


WINFIELD – Gov. Matt Blunt returned to Winfield today to meet with local emergency coordinators to ensure state emergency resources are readily available and reaching Missouri families in need following this morning’s levee breach.

“The levee breach has only exacerbated the difficulties of Missouri families who have been battling the Mississippi River,” Gov. Blunt said. “My thoughts and prayers are with those Missourians who are suffering because of the flooding. We will continue to provide assistance to our fellow Missourians as long as it is necessary.”

Shortly after 5:15 a.m. the southeast portion of the Pin Oak Levee failed. According to Lincoln County officials up to 150 homes including Old Monroe may be flooded. SEMA and state agencies are working with Lincoln County officials to build a temporary levee to protect as many of these homes as is possible as well as additional homes and property in the southeast portion of Winfield from flooding.

Gov. Blunt received an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration for 22 Missouri counties and the City of St. Louis as a result of flooding and severe weather along the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. In addition, Gov. Blunt activated the state's emergency operations center, activated more than 800 members of the Missouri National Guard and directed state departments to assist in every way possible.

The State Emergency Operation Center continues to coordinate state resources assisting local governments with their emergency protective actions ranging from sandbagging, drinking and water quality issues, security, mass feeding, sheltering operations, monitoring road closures, crisis counseling and helping locations with their vulnerable populations.