Overnight rain unlikely to affect flooding

The area saw another half-inch of rain or more overnight, it may not add to the extensive flooding the region has seen and which is bringing state and federal assessment teams to the area next week to see if state and federal disaster assistance might be justified.

The half-inch of rain Havre saw brings the total for the year to more than 10 inches, with much of that falling about two weeks, which led to extensive flooding. But Hill County Disaster and Emergency Services Coordinator Joe Parenteau said this morning he hadn’t heard yet of the rain causing new flooding. The danger, however, is not yet gone, he added.

“People need to still be aware of the possibility that rains could come and water could rise rapidly … ,” he said. “There are still the possibilities out there of things happening.”

He also said that, along with the standard warning that people should avoid driving or walking across flowing water during a flood event, people need to be very cautious of banks along rivers and streams.

“The undercutting of the banks is a very big problem,” Parenteau said. “As you walk up to the bank, it could give away at any time, and you could be swept away.”

He said state and federal disaster assessment teams will be in the area next week. Once each area is assessed and the totals tallied, the state and federal governments will determine if the region qualifies for assistance.

Tony Woods, the disaster public information officer for the Chippewa Cree Tribe of Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, said this morning that the federal assessment team will be at the reservation Tuesday to begin looking at the damage.

At that point, the state will begin the process of deciding if a disaster declaration is justified.

Woods said the current estimates of damage within the boundaries of the reservation is $2 million, but the assessment of damage is ongoing. Damage includes to roads, stream banks and housing.

The report listed on the Rocky Boy website at http://www.chippewacree.org says 68 housing units have been affected, with at least 42 needing roofing, 14 have sustained damage to their interiors, more than 18 have flooding in basements or crawl spaces, and 12 pumps are operating, and mold damage is anticipated.

“I also want to add that our Emergency Operations Team is doing an excellent job of handling the current situation,” Woods said. “This is our third flood in four years, and with the experience gained from the past floods, our team is knowledgeable and able to respond more quickly to most situations that arise out of an event like this.”

Gov. Steve Bullock declared a state emergency last week after 14 counties — including Blaine, Chouteau and Hill — and Rocky Boy and Fort Belknap declared emergencies.

Many governments proceeded to declare a disaster, including Rocky Boy and Hill and Blaine counties. Chouteau County has not declared a disaster.

Calls to Fort Belknap officials dealing with the flood had not been returned by today.