Obama monitors as agencies aid flood areas

WASHINGTON, March 27 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama has been monitoring the flooding situation along the Red River in North Dakota and Minnesota, the White House said Friday.

The president talked Friday with North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Fargo, N.D., Mayor Dennis Walaker "to express his concern for the residents of North Dakota and Minnesota and to ensure that the states are getting the federal assistance they need to supplement any state and local efforts," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said.

Federal support is being provided along Red River, which rose to historic levels Friday and expected to crest between 41-43 feet on Saturday, Gibbs said. Emergency declarations for the two states have been approved.

Acting Federal Emergency Management Agency chief Nancy Ward was in Fargo, working with federal, state and local officials "to ensure that federal assistance is provided to support the response to the flooding," the spokesman said. Department of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano also has been in contact with state and local officials, briefing Obama on her discussions.

"The president continues to be impressed with ongoing efforts of thousands of volunteers as they continue to work to protect their communities," Gibbs said.