Montana declares statewide flooding emergency

LOS ANGELES, May 2 (Xinhua) -- Governor of the U.S. state of Montana Steve Bullock issued an executive order on Wednesday, declaring a statewide flooding emergency.

The declaration said that record snowfall last winter, which has been well above normal, and rainfall recent statewide, are causing rivers, streams, and tributaries to overflow their banks and impacting large areas across the state including several Indian reservations.

In light of the State Emergency Coordination Center has elevated to a level three status, the government has to mobilize state resources and the Montana National Guard to protect life, health, and property, meanwhile consider to expend funds to meet contingencies and address needs that may arise from the emergency.

According to reports online by local officials, dozens of roads across much of Montana have been damaged by floodwaters. The authority also warned local residents should be ready to evacuate on short notice and that they should move livestock immediately.

"As Montanans deal with the impacts of flooding, the state stands ready and is in constant communication with local and tribal officials about ways we can protect folks' health, safety and property," Bullock tweeted Wednesday.

On April 18, the governor issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency due to flooding in seven counties. So far, there is no report of casualties. Enditem