2,000 ND Guards ready for flood fight

FARGO, N.D. (AP) -- The North Dakota National Guard leader says there are more than 2,000 soldiers and airmen who are prepared to help with spring flooding.

Commander Dave Sprynczynatyk says Guard members have been conducting exercises to help with flood fighting and have identified ``worst-case scenarios.''

Sprynczynatyk says the state military plans next week to take inventory of equipment and supplies that could be used in the flood protection effort.

The most serious flooding in North Dakota is expected along the Red River and its tributaries. The National Weather Service says the river has a 50-50 chance to going 20 feet above flood stage in Fargo.

More than 3,000 National Guard soldiers and airmen participated in flood-fighting operations in North Dakota in 2011.

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