Indiana National Guard Postures for Additional Flood Support

American Forces Press Service

June 10, 2008 - The Indiana National Guard is preparing to continue a long flood fight across the southern part of the state. Flooding resulted when more than six inches of rain dumped into the Wabash Valley on the evening of June 6 and well into the morning of June 7.

Guardsmen and equipment are moving to counties in southwestern Indiana, and officials are working with the county emergency management director to ensure they know the most efficient means of requesting Indiana National Guard support.

More than 900 soldiers and airmen from across the state have been activated, and more than 90 vehicles are being used.

Sand bag machines are prepositioned in Vincennes, Linton, and Terre Haute, and the Indiana Guard is moving two sand bag machines to Elnora. Guardsmen also are moving sand bags from Terre Haute to Elnora.

Officials said the Guard will work with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security to coordinate missions in support of the local responders in affected areas. Some 200 soldiers from 38th Infantry Division are in Elnora to assist with sand bagging operations.

The Guard has moved water trailers to Hope, Saint Bernice, Paragon, Nineveh, Hymara and Columbus.

Joint Task Force 81 is preparing to deploy from its headquarters here to southwestern Indiana. The unit will provide command and control to units deployed for the flood emergency. A command assessment team from the joint task force will help southern communities prepare for the water that is flowing toward them.

Guard officials said they're working with the Vigo County Emergency Management Office to determine the needs in that area, where 25 soldiers are helping local law enforcement agencies with presence patrols.

Officials also are working with Green County leaders to assess the city of Worthington, which has been cut off by flood waters. An Indiana National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter delivered food to Worthington on June 8.

(From an Indiana National Guard news release.)