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Michigan National Guard helped evacuate 21 people, 6 dogs, 2 cats from flood waters

About 130 National Guard members assisted the state's response to the floods in Midland County.

Credit: Michigan National Guard

Private First Class Lydia Humphrey, 1073rd Maintenance Company, Michigan Army National Guard, assists Anita Wheeler from Midland Michigan as the Guard responds to flooding caused by local dam breaches, Midland, Michigan, May 20, 2020. Michigan National Guard units from Bay City, Saginaw, Port Huron and other nearby communities helped evacuate people threatened by massive flooding in the Midland area resulting from the breach of the Edenville and Sanford Dams. (Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. David Eichaker)

MIDLAND, Mich. — The Michigan National Guard was deployed after the Edenville and Sanford dams breached Tuesday night in the Midland area.

Units from Bay City, Saginaw, Port Huron and other nearby communities responded to the request for help from Michigan State Police following the massive flooding in the region.

Michigan National Guard members assisted the Emergency Operations Center by helping evacuate 21 people, six dogs and two cats threatened by the flood waters.

The members also helped first responders conduct door-to-door wellness checks for residents in locations hit hard by the flood. They also recovered and removed books from a flooded library in Midland.

About 10,000 people had to evacuate after the dams breached, and parts of Midland ended up underwater. No flood-related deaths or injuries have been reported.

Flooding, dam breaches in Midland County

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110th Wing

Dam break along the Tittabawassee River in Edenville, Mich. on May 20, 2020. Michigan National Guard units from Bay City, Saginaw, Port Huron, and other nearby communities have responded to a request for assistance following massive flooding in the Midland area resulting from the breach of the Edenville and Sanford Dams. The Michigan State Police (MSP) requested the units to provide assistance evacuating Midland area residents. Approximately 130 Soldiers and more than 40 specialized vehicles arrived in the area to provide assistance. The National Guard began missions Wednesday, May 20, at 4 a.m., evacuating citizens, augmenting emergency planners, and preparing logistical support. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Scott Thompson)

The Michigan National Guard also remains involved in the state's COVID-19 response. About 1,000 members are assisting with humanitarian missions, including support at food banks, logistics for medical equipment, medical screening operations and testing within Michigan prisons.

“Working in partnership local first responders, the swift and effective response by the men and women of the Michigan National Guard to serve the needs of citizens impacted by these floods is another example of the guard’s integral role in our communities as dedicated public servants, “ said Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers, Adjutant General and Director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “Our priorities remain the support of the State of Michigan’s response to this situation and ensuring safety as requested, along with continuing the Michigan National Guard’s vigorous response to requests for assistance in the COVID-19 fight.”

President Donald Trump signed an emergency declaration Thursday authorizing the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate disaster relief.

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