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CNN Live Today

Floods Inundate Midwest

Aired June 24, 2002 - 14:18   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: In the upper Midwest, the problem is rain. Weekend storms dumped more rain in Mahnomen, Minnesota, causing rivers to burst their banks today for a second time in two weeks.

Reporter Rhonda Kinchlow (ph) from affiliate KARE, shows us how residents are now coping.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BRENT AMUNDSON, HOME OWNER: At 8:30 last night, some friends of mine went across the bridge and it was way, way under the bridge, and at 6:00 this morning, when I got up, it was a foot from my driveway.

RHONDA KINCHLOW, KARE REPORTER (voice-over): If you think the rush of the water is intimidating, think of Brent Amundson, who's had to throw in more than just the towel to the floodwaters. He's had to throw in his home, a home of 40 years.

AMUNDSON: Nobody's ever seen it come across the bridge. Nobody's ever seen it come across the road. And it's ever been across my driveway.

KINCHLOW: But as of now, what was the driveway is now the lineup for volunteers who are sandbagging.

In hopes of getting ahead of the fast-moving current that's already claimed several homes, and barring a miracle, Brent's home and the homes directly next door to him could be next.

BRAD ATHMANN: It's breaking even, but there's the crest, is expected to go up another three feet. Then we're going to pull out.

KINCHLOW: But not before volunteers get a chance to build a wall that may be enough to stop the rising tide.

GARY SIGFRINUIS, MINNESOTA NATIONAL GUARD: The frustration is the unknown of just how high the water is going to come. Nobody really seems to know. This is an anomaly.

ATHMANN: We've saved the house before. But this is something I've never seen.

KINCHLOW: For Brent Amundson and his son Matt, it's heartbreaking to watch. MATT AMUNDSON, RESIDENT: The last time I was in the basement, it was coming -- it was up quite a bit again.

KINCHLOW: With predictions for rain and thunderstorms throughout the night, Brent believes it's time to face a painful reality: that he may have already spent his last night at home.

B. AMUNDSON: I don't foresee going ever back in there.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

PHILLIPS: That reporter Rhonda Kinchlow (ph) from CNN affiliate KARE.

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