Minot Flood Relief

I have been meaning to post about this for some time, but just haven't gotten around to it.  In June of this year, the Souris River flooded and caused extensive damage to homes in Minot, North Dakota (about 8 hours from our home here in Marshall, MN.  (This Wikipedia article explains the flood and shows some of the damage).

As part of the Mormon Helping Hands, the Church asked for volunteers from approximately eights stakes surrounding the area.  These stakes included members in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Montana, and Saskatchewan, Canada.  Our stake president noted that the volunteer work would have had a market value of approximately $8 million.

Our branch went up on July 23 and again on August 13.  We left for Minot on Friday, camped out on the Church lawn, worked all day Saturday, had a brief service on Sunday morning, and then worked until noon.  The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve officially gave authority for those volunteering to work, on behalf of the Church, on Sunday.  Our morning service was approximately 30 minutes in length.

As for the damage, at least 3,000 homes were damaged, but only maybe 10% had flood insurance.  The first home that we worked at told us that the Army Corps of Engineers had constructed some artificial levees that were to obviate the need for flood insurance as flooding was no longer possible.  Thus, a number of years back, most of the homes in the area did not renew the flood coverage in their home owner's insurance policies.

We spent most of our time emptying furniture and other such items, ripping out drywall, tearing up flooring, and pulling out insulation.  The last home we worked on had not been opened since the flood (approximately 2 months previous) and smelled to high heaven.  It was also revolting to see sewage on the floor and to see everything rotting from the inside out.  Nevertheless, it was a rewarding experience and one that I was grateful to participate in.  (Though I have no shame in admitting that I am not saddened that I will not be asked to go there again any time soon).

JULY 23, 2011
A look at the first home (note that the second floor remains in excellent condition, as the water "only" was at a seven foot level on the main floor).

Our Elder's Quorum/Elders Work Group at the first home.

Driving/Fording the streets around the first home we worked on.

AUGUST 13, 2011

A look at our campsite on the lawn of the Church and a couple members of our branch.

The growing pile of stuff in front of the house.

Houses across from where we were working.  Note the height of the water mark on the side of the house.  Now imagine enough water flowing through to get the water that high in entire neighborhoods. 

The front of the home where we were working.

Self-portrait!

Our branch waiting for the leaders meeting to finish so we can head out and start working.

Enjoying a free lunch atop piles of trash.  Thank you Salvation Army!

Ripping out the dish washer and cabinets from the kitchen.

A game of ultimate frisbee after we set up camp on Friday.

The sludge in the basement of the home.  Not very fun to work in and a smell that was absolutely putrid.