2011 Missouri River Flood continuing coverage

The Missouri River Flood of 2011 was among the worst disasters in South Dakota history.

Record levels of snowfall and rain at the headwaters forced more water into the Missouri River than the system of dams could hold back. The subsequent flooding lasted over three months and forced thousands of people out of their homes and businesses for the duration.

South Dakota Public Broadcasting Radio News became the main source for news and information throughout the duration of the disaster. At the onset the predicted releases and projected inhumation area changed daily as residents scrambled to build levees and evacuate. The SDPB news team spent hundreds of combined hours in locations up and down the Missouri River corridor providing vital news and information to the state's population.

As the disaster unfolded, we carried live press conferences each day across our media platforms. We produced news stories that gave voice to those suffering through the disaster and provided the latest vital information on the fight against the rising floodwaters. As the disaster continued we gave voice to those displaced, provided information on resources, and asked critical questions of those who manage the river system. We then followed residents back into the homes as they cleaned up and tried to re-build their lives. We're still continuing to cover this issue.

Included here this is a small sample of our flood coverage. A more comprehensive archive of our coverage can be found on our website www.sdpb.org/flood.

Listen to "2011 Missouri River Flood continuing coverage" (.mp3)