Gov. Pillen declares state of emergency for Nebraska counties along Missouri River

LINCOLN, Neb. (KCAU) — To get ahead of any flooding along the Missouri River, Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen declared a state of emergency Monday for counties along the river.

By declaring a state of emergency, state funds and resources will be freed up for immediate use if the need arises.

“The proclamation confers authority to Nebraska’s Adjutant General to activate those resources, to protect lives and property,” the release reads in part.

After excessive rainfall in northeast Nebraska, northwest Iowa and southeast South Dakota, Siouxland communities are experiencing unprecedented flooding with most expected to flow into the Missouri River.

The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Corps of Engineers are providing Pillen with updates on the status of the Missouri River. The agencies are continuing to monitor the situation and how communities are being impacted and will continue to monitor as the water’s crest continues downstream in the coming days.

Over the weekend, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds requested assistance to member states in an Emergency Management Assistance Compact. Pillen authorized the deployment of a military helicopter and four-member National Army Guard crew to assist in recovery efforts.

An copy of the proclamation can be found below.