ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz, United States Senator Amy Klobuchar, and public safety and emergency management staff today took an aerial tour of Henderson, Le Sueur, the Rapidan Dam, and Waterville following storms and severe flooding across Southern Minnesota. Over 40 counties throughout the state have been impacted by flooding, which has disrupted agriculture and damaged roads and property. Since June 18, Southern and Central Minnesota have been significantly impacted. Photo and video from the tour are attached and available here.

In Le Sueur County, the city of Waterville and surrounding area received significant rainfall, causing evacuations and substantial damage. Southwest of Mankato, floodwaters have caused a breech in the Rapidan Dam and closures of major highways in the Minnesota River valley have forced detours and impacted traffic patterns.

“Southern Minnesota is my home – I’m hearing incredibly challenging stories from friends and family in Mankato. My heart goes out to the families who have lost their homes, their businesses, their priceless personal belongings,” said Governor Walz. “However, when faced with crisis, we come together. Community members, volunteers, emergency responders, and local leadership are stepping up in big and small ways to keep their neighbors safe and ensure they have something to eat and a place to stay. The state is here to help and we will continue our work to keep our people, property, and public infrastructure protected.”

“In the last few days, I have seen the damage left behind by the storms and floods, but I have also seen Minnesotans’ unparalleled strength and compassion. From brave first responders and our National Guard keeping people safe to volunteers filling sandbags, people across our state are coming together to help,” said United States Senator Klobuchar. “I’m working closely with state and local officials to ensure we can rebuild and recover. All public infrastructure damage is being documented so when the federal threshold for FEMA disaster relief is reached, that relief will be delivered quickly.”

“Minnesota is resilient. In times like these, we come together to ensure the safety of our neighbors and communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “As flooding and severe weather continues, the state is here to support. I extend my gratitude to those on the ground, responding in real time as disaster strikes. Your support exemplifies the values we hold as Minnesotans. We will recover from this, together.”

Across the state, public safety officials, local governments, community members, and volunteers are working to protect property and infrastructure from additional damage. Several counties have declared local emergencies and activated emergency operation plans.

Last Friday, Governor Walz traveled to the cities of Cook and Biwabik in Northeastern Minnesota where floodwaters damaged residences and businesses and washed out dozens of roads. On Saturday, Governor Walz issued a peacetime emergency and activated the Minnesota National Guard to assist with local emergency flood operations. On Sunday, Senator Klobuchar met with local officials in Carver, Waterville, and Northfield, and on Monday she was in Mankato.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) has implemented the Minnesota Emergency Operations Plan, making state agencies available to assist local governments. HSEM will continue to coordinate the provision of on-site support and assistance to affected local governments and determine the need for supplementary emergency assistance.