WORLD> America
Thousands flee Fargo ahead of menacing floodwaters
(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-03-28 11:51

Dump truck loads of clay are added to a permanent dike that protects downtown Fargo, North Dakota March 27, 2009. [Agencies]

Tina Kraft took everything of value or importance in her basement and first floor and moved it upstairs.

"We've prepared for it as best we can," she said. "We really just have to be ready for our house to be flooded."

Deanne Mason and her husband were awakened by the sound of backhoes and tractors building the backup dike.

"I'm not so worried about losing my house," she said. "It's just stuff. But it's emotionally draining to watch this."

On the Canadian side of the northern-flowing Red River, ice-clogged culverts, ice jams and the rising river threatened Manitoba residents. Several homes were evacuated north of Winnipeg and several dozen houses were flooded.