Latest News
Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Fargo residents asking for divine help
Charles Rex Arbogast / the associated press Sgt. First Class Todd Sudheimer with the Minnesota National Guard in St. Paul, Minn., looks out of his UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter at the Red River flooding south of Fargo, N.D., on Sunday. (CP)
FARGO, N.D. -- Weary residents of this sandbagged city came together in churches Sunday, counting their blessings that the Red River finally stopped rising and praying the levees would hold back its wrath. A brief levee break that swamped a school provided a warning of the kind of threat that still hangs over them in the days ahead.
Church services that are a staple of life on Sunday mornings in Fargo took on greater significance as people gathered after a week of round-the-clock sandbagging. They sang hymns and held hands, asking together for divine help in avoiding disaster.
"At a time like this, we need to call on God's providential assistance," said Rev. Bob Ona, pastor of Fargo's First Assembly of God church. "All of you have been heroic in your efforts. All of you have been pushed past the wall of weariness, exhaustion and numerous frustrations in order to do the right thing -- help people in the name of the Lord."
The Red River continued its slow retreat Sunday after cresting a day earlier. City officials have said they would breathe easier when the river falls to 12 metres or lower, expected by Saturday, meaning a lengthy test for sandbag levees that residents hastily constructed last week.
Fargo faces another test this week as a storm approaches with snow and powerful wind gusts that could send ferocious waves crashing into and over the already-stressed levees.
The sandbag effort resumed Sunday as helicopters began dropping 11 one-tonne sandbags into the river to deflect its violent current and keep it from eroding vulnerable areas of the dike system.
The aerial effort also included an unmanned Predator drone used to watch flood patterns and ice floes and provide high-definition information to teams on the ground. North Dakota has more than 2,400 National Guard troops engaged in the flood fight across the state.
The helicopter sandbag effort was focused on an area of the river that put another scare into the city during the night when it burst past a levee and submerged a Lutheran school campus.
-- The Associated Press
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition March 30, 2009 A7
- Rate this
-
-
We want you to tell us what you think of our articles. If the story moves you, compels you to act or tells you something you didn’t know, mark it high. If you thought it was well written, do the same. If it doesn’t meet your standards, mark it accordingly.
You can also register and/or login to the site and join the conversation by leaving a comment.
Rate it yourself by rolling over the stars and clicking when you reach your desired rating. We want you to tell us what you think of our articles. If the story moves you, compels you to act or tells you something you didn’t know, mark it high.
Post Your Comment
The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. Comments are moderated before publication. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
-
Faith Enduring
A look at Manitoba’s Ukrainian community through their churches
-
The Forgotten Disease
The fight to eradicate tuberculosis is far from over.
-
Flu Fight
News about the world's battle against the H1N1 flu pandemic
-
Follow the Way!
Join United Way on its journey toward lasting change and better lives.
-
Winnipeg road closures
Check if your commute is affected
-
Editor's Bulletin
Sign up for daily bulletins
-
Blogs to Watch
We pick our favourite local blogs for you to follow
-
Breaking News Widget
Create and embed a Winnipeg Free Press breaking news widget on your site or blog
- Back to Top
- Return to Latest News
Advertisement
PREVIOUS
Most Popular
- Sod turned at IKEA site today
- Manitoba man killed in crash in Nebraska
- Jury finds man guilty in execution-style slaying
- Horror at the movies? That's the snack booth
- Southern chiefs blast Hydro
- Woman charged in year-old homicide case
- Rush hour crash closes Wilkes
- Will you get the H1N1 flu vaccine?
- Police looking for missing girls
- Child grabbed, police looking for suspect
- Southern chiefs blast Hydro
- Sod turned at IKEA site today
- Find lukewarm lovers who fit your style
- Activists protest delay over Kapyong housing
- Addicts out in cold: workers
- Province takes aim at stubble fires
- Ignatieff, McFadyen do the shuffle dance
- Jury finds man guilty in execution-style slaying
- Horror at the movies? That's the snack booth
- Rush hour crash closes Wilkes
- Sod turned at IKEA site today
- Horror at the movies? That's the snack booth
- Southern chiefs blast Hydro
- 300 homes evacuated, schools closed after heavy rain, high tide flood Duncan, BC
- Health Canada warns vets and pet owners about drug used to treat diabetes
- Mortgage rates likely to rise soon
- Activists protest delay over Kapyong housing
- Children helping children is charity's goal
- Asthma appears to be significant risk factor in kids for severe H1N1: study
- Addicts out in cold: workers
Ads by Google
1 Comments
Posted by: Nellyspace
March 30, 2009 at 10:13 AM
Where are all of these residents going? Why don't start to get a list of Winnipegers who can open up their homes to some of the flood victims? Its such a short drive for them and I am sure it would be much more comforting for them rather than moving into a hotel. Anyone know how we can get this started?