Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano told residents in Minot that the federal government will do everything it can to help recover from the Souris River flood.
Napolitano's office is responsible for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Napolitano took a helicopter tour Wednesday over the city where 4,100 homes have been damaged by Souris River floodwaters and more than 11,000 people were evacuated. During a press conference in front a flooded street near City Hall and the Minot Police Department, she said the federal government is "here for the duration."
The secretary encouraged residents of flood-prone areas to get flood insurance if they don't already have it to guard against future floods.
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Jill Schramm/MDN
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano waits for her turn to speak Wednesday during a press conference near the still-flooded Sixth Street Underpass. The secretary toured the flooded city Wednesday.
Napolitano's speech, as well as comments by Minot Mayor Curt Zimbelman and North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple, were briefly interrupted by noise from a passing train.