Bismarck Flood Update: Preparing for Lost Homes
Sandbagging and levee-building is all but finished in Bismarck, N.D. But the battle against the Missouri River is far from over.

“There will still be areas lost to the river … and dike failure is still a possibility,” said Steve Carbno, a Salvation Army disaster services manager who’s helped lead more than 1,200 volunteers in providing food, water and emotional support to nearly 40,000 flood survivors and relief workers in Bismarck and neighboring Mandan.

“June 15–20 will be a critical time,” he continued. “As water rises to the top of the dikes, the chances for problems begin. So far, over 500 houses have been abandoned. More areas are being surrounded by water now, and people staying in their homes to fight will be forced to leave.” (Click here for National Guard photos.)

The Salvation Army will continue serving in Bismarck until the bitter end. Five mobile kitchens and a response trailer remain in town, and a new five-person team of disaster services managers will arrive from the Twin Cities on June 15.

On June 9, The Salvation Army provided food, water and spiritual support for two neighborhoods close to going under.

“Some of the residents are still trying to protect their homes, but they’re basically on their own – service providers can’t access their properties,” Carbno said. “The Salvation Army parked on the edge of these areas and the people were coming to us.”

Community support for The Salvation Army remains strong. Thousands of dollars have been given by local residents, businesses and service groups.

Bismarck Salvation Army board members have been a huge help, too. “They’ve all rolled up their sleeves and helped us with serving meals, driving mobile kitchens, making sandwiches and anything else we need,” said Major Lee Morrison, Bismarck Salvation Army administrator. 

Sadly, one of the board members will likely lose his home to the flood. As he was visiting his home for what would probably be the last time, a Salvation Army mobile kitchen pulled up.

“The crew offered him a bottle of water," Carbno said. “They stayed with him for a bit and listened to him reminisce about the years he and his family lived there. He shared what effect this will have on his wife, who suffers from Alzheimer's. He said that the caring and compassion that was shown to him by the Salvation Army crew helped him get through the sadness of the moment.”

Although the Bismarck Salvation Army has so far raised about $46,000 in disaster funds, much more help is needed. Total expenses are expected to reach an estimated $150,000. 

There are several ways to give:

• Click here to donate online.

• Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769) and designate your credit card donation “ND Floods.”

• Checks designated “ND Floods” can be mailed to The Salvation Army, 2445 Prior Ave. N., Roseville, MN 55113.