Introduction | 1966 Blizzard | Hazel Miner | 1950 Flood | 1997 Flood | Activity
Introduction | FEMA Photographs
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) collection.
SHSND DR 1174-ND Red River Flood 1997 SA 32189
In the spring of 1997, Grand Forks reinforced its dikes and added sandbags on top of the dikes to try to
prevent flooding. The dikes gave way and the river entered city neighborhoods and downtown businesses.
Grand Forks 005
The river reached the rooftops on some Grand
Forks and East Grand Forks homes. IMG0066.
After evacuation, rescue crews of city firefighters,
police officers, and National Guard troops checked
houses to be sure everyone was out and to rescue
dogs and cats that had to be left behind if people
were evacuated by boat. Grand Forks 015
Businesses were damaged by floodwaters.
Restaurants and other businesses that sold food
had to rebuild and completely disinfect or replace
all of their equipment. IM0006
In order to completely dry out a house and prevent
mold formation within the walls, homeowners had
to remove and dispose of dry wall, paneling,
cupboards, and woodwork. Grand Forks 025
Some neighborhoods were filled with things that floated in on the river, but after the waters receded,
every home had to throw out anything that was destroyed by the flood. Some things were
contaminated by dirty floodwater and could not be made safe by washing. Grand_forks0003
