National Guard mobilized to aid in flood efforts

Jefferson City - Nearly 700 Missouri National Guard soldiers and airmen are currently supporting flood response efforts on the upper Mississippi River.

Within the state's borders, Guard units are mobilized in the communities of Clarksville, Hannibal Canton, West Quincy, LaGrange, Winfield and Alexandria. They are assisting with sandbagging operations, levee monitoring and manning traffic control points, according to the office of Gov. Matt Blunt.

"The Missouri National Guard has a trained, disciplined force ready to meet the challenges of the rising water, " said Major General King Sidwell, who serves as adjutant general of the eh Missouri National Guard. "Every time the Guard is called, we have responded quickly , with the personnel and resources necessary to help the citizens of Missouri."

The Guard has also established a quick reaction force of 100 members ready to respond quickly where and when they are needed, according to Sidwell. Guard liaison officers are working with officials in Clark, Lewis, Marion, Ralls, Pike and Lincoln counties.

The Guard is also making preparation for potential flooding downriver. They have posted officers in St. Louis and St. Charles Counties and cities and the counties of Jefferson, St. Genevieve and Perry in anticipation of needs on the lower Mississippi.

The current mobilizations are a result of an executive order signed by Blunt last week.