Flood injuries report updated

The North Dakota Department of Health released updated information about injuries and illnesses reported around the state as a result of flood conditions and flood-related activities, according to Tracy Miller, M.P.H., epidemiologist with the North Dakota Department of Health

Between April 9 and April 15, 12 flood-related injuries were reported to the Department of Health from emergency rooms across the state. That brings the total to 235 since surveillance began March 23. In addition, five flood-related illnesses were reported to the department in the same time period, bringing the total to 67. The total number of flood-related deaths remains at two.

Flood-related injuries and illnesses reported to the department during the last week included injuries to backs, shoulders, wrists and fingers, stress and motor vehicle accidents.

The Department of Health began conducting surveillance of emergency rooms across the state on March 23 to assess the extent of injuries and illnesses related to flooding. All emergency rooms report the number of flood-related injuries, illnesses or deaths weekly. It should be noted that this surveillance captures only those who seek medical care at emergency rooms, so the numbers do not reflect every single injury, illness or fatality occurring in the state related to floods.

Devils Lake is swallowing land

DEVILS LAKE, N.D. (AP) — Ramsey County Commissioner Joe Belford says Devils Lake is rising like he’s never seen before.

Belford says the lake is projected to rise enough this year to cover 40,000 more acres of land

He says Ramsey County lost more than 50 roads to high water just within the past week.

The lake is expected to reach its highest levels between mid-June and early July.

Belford says for every foot Devils Lake rises, about 9,000 acres of farm land are consumed by water.

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