State Disaster Declaration Issued for 19 Southern Illinois Counties Hit by Flooding

State Makes Assets and Personnel Available for Response and Recovery

[March 21, 2008]  SPRINGFIELD -- On Thursday, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich declared 19 southern Illinois counties state disaster areas due to widespread flooding that has covered roadways, closed numerous businesses, forced people to evacuate their homes and caused two deaths. The state disaster declaration makes available a wide variety of state resources that can help affected communities recover from flooding and storm-related damage. Counties included in the governor's declaration are Alexander, Fayette, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Marion, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Union, White and Williamson.

"Flooding already is widespread throughout southern Illinois, with many rivers and streams expected to continue rising for the next few days," said Blagojevich. "The state has been working closely with local emergency management officials to assess their needs for assistance, and this state disaster declaration will ensure these counties get what they need to protect public safety and speed the recovery process."

The state of Illinois has personnel and assets that can be mobilized to help local government officials with disaster recovery, including trucks, heavy equipment and work crews to speed up debris removal, and assistance with security and other public safety issues.

The governor also has directed the Illinois Emergency Management Agency to continue coordinating assistance to southern Illinois through the State Emergency Operations Center in Springfield, which was activated Wednesday morning in response to flooding. State officials have been working with local emergency management officials throughout southern Illinois to help them deal with floodwaters caused by heavy rains that totaled nearly 12 inches in some areas.

"The rains have stopped but the danger hasn't passed, so people in these areas need to continue to be extremely cautious around floodwaters," said IEMA Director Andrew Velasquez III. "Never attempt to drive on a flooded roadway, because your car can be swept away by as little as 2 feet of water."

State assistance for southern Illinois flooding coordinated to date through the State Emergency Operations Center:

• The Illinois Emergency Management Agency has deployed five regional coordinators and additional regional staff on-site.

• IEMA conducted an aerial assessment of flooding throughout southern Illinois Wednesday from an Illinois State Police airplane.

• IEMA coordinated deployment of an Illinois Terrorism Task Force mobile command vehicle from DuQuoin and an Illinois Transportable Emergency Communications System to the Illinois State Police District 22 office to support operations.

• IEMA deployed the agency's satellite vehicle to provide live video of flooding to the State Emergency Operations Center.

• The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has deployed 10 conservation officers and five jon boats to assist with evacuations and rescues in Alexander, Pulaski and Saline counties.

• Four professional engineers from IDNR's Office of Water Resources are conducting assessments of the levee systems throughout the affected region.

• The Illinois Department of Corrections has sent inmate crews to several communities to help fill sandbags.

• The Illinois Department of Transportation transported sandbags, nine 6-inch pumps and other equipment to southern Illinois for possible deployment.

• Illinois State Police brought in additional officers to provide law enforcement support throughout the affected area.

• ISP pre-staged tactical officers, boats and equipment in southern Illinois for potential rescue missions.

• The Illinois Department of Public Health provided bottled water and portable toilets for the ISP District 22 office after the water system failed.

• IDPH provided 10 portable toilets to Pulaski County.

• IDPH is monitoring long-term care facilities affected by flooding to ensure the safety of residents.

• IDPH is coordinating with water departments in the region to ensure the public is aware of any water quality issues that may result from the flooding.

• The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is checking with local water treatment and wastewater plants throughout the affected area to assess flood effects and ensure public safety.

• IEPA responded to a flood-related train derailment near West Vienna and assessed environmental effects.

• The Illinois Department of Human Services has opened a shelter at the Choate Mental Health Center in Anna for people affected by the flood.

• The American Red Cross, a partner with the state during disasters, opened nine shelters to provide mass care, food and shelter to people affected by the flood. On Wednesday, 67 people spent the night at one of the shelters and 225 meals were served.

[Text from file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]