Gov. Nixon deploys Missouri National Guard to assist with local flooding
Gov. Jay Nixon ordered the deployment of 50 military policemen of the Missouri National Guard on Wednesday to assist local authorities with flood response efforts in southern Missouri.
“The Citizen-Soldiers of the Missouri National Guard are one of our most valuable assets in helping Missourians during and after natural disasters, and their skill and training will greatly assist state and local emergency responders in taking necessary action to save lives,” Nixon said.
The governor spoke to elected officials in Laclede, Miller, Phelps and Pulaski counties about the flooding situations and ongoing assistance from the state.
Nixon declared a state of emergency Tuesday after heavy rains caused flash flooding and at least one confirmed death in the Waynesville area. The Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan was activated, allowing state agencies to coordinate directly with local jurisdictions to provide emergency services.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol has also deployed additional marine operations troopers, a rescue helicopter and associated assets to the region to assist local emergency responders. Nixon says those resources will remain in place until the treat has passed.
The State Emergency Management Agency is actively monitoring conditions and will continue to work with local response agencies to provide additional support as needed.
