A Monday afternoon joint session of the North Dakota legislature helped put the flood crisis in that state in stark relief. While most lawmakers heard an update from North Dakota’s National Guard Commander, Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, some members of the State House and Senate remained in Fargo, desperate to defend their homes from the high waters threatening North Dakota’s largest city.

Due to blizzard conditions that have enveloped the capitol, the legislature is not expected to decide until Wednesday morning whether it will convene for the day. During today’s session, Sprynczynatyk described the extent of his agency’s $40 million response to the flooding:

During his briefing to lawmakers, Sprynczynatyk said 2,400 National Guard members are helping to fight rising floodwaters in North Dakota, the largest task force ever assembled in the state. He called the flooding "epic in nature."

He said Guard members are strategically stationed throughout Fargo and the surrounding areas in case of an emergency.

National Guard members also are protecting the man-made dikes that have been erected throughout Fargo. One person was arrested over the weekend when authorities found the person stealing sandbags off a dike.

"You have to deal with the human element, as well," Sprynczynatyk said.

The thoughts and prayers of all of us at the DLCC are with the people of North Dakota in this trying time.

Nathan Thomas is a researcher and communications assistant for the DLCC.