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Mar 9, 2010 6:49 pm US/Central
Montevideo Prepares For Expected Flooding
MONTEVIDEO (WCCO) ―
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The city of Montevideo has two rivers that could pose big problems: the Minnesota and the Chippewa. (File)
CBS
As the snow melts away, some towns in western Minnesota are preparing for a flood. The city of Montevideo has two rivers that could pose big problems: the Minnesota and the Chippewa.
"We are pretty sure we are getting water in the basement so we are preparing for that," said Dixie Tilden.
Living along the Chippewa River, Tilden has learned not to take any chances.
"We never had water in our basement until 1997. Then we had two inches of water on the main floor," said Tilden.
With the possibility of flooding, Tilden is getting her basement cleared out now. And even though she lives in a small town, her efforts have turned international.
"I know we were here in 1997 and that was bad. We are trying to have as much of a positive impact as we can," said Shelsea Ochoa of "Up With People."
"Up with People" is an international, educational, and cultural program that features 90 students from 20 different countries. Their last visit to Montevideo was 1997 when floodwaters reached nearly 24 feet. They helped fill sandbags back then. This time, they are helping people.
"They just want to help out and I appreciate what they are doing for us," said Duane Hastad of Heather Floral and Nursery.
As they wait to perform their two-hour "A Song for the World" show Wednesday night, the students are also helping Hastad move his plants to higher ground. It is just one of many examples of a town getting ready for whatever comes next.
"We are going to make it. We have good people here already and good people in town helping out. We are going to make it," said Mayor Jim Curtiss.
The Army Corps of Engineers said Montevideo has an 80 percent chance of flood levels reaching 18 to 20 feet this spring. Anything over 14 feet is considered a flood stage. Since 1997, the city has installed a levee system that can hold up to 18 feet of water.
"Up With People" will perform at the Montevideo Fine Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday night.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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