President Obama last night declared an emergency for the State of Minnesota because of the severe storms and flooding affecting Wilkin, Clay, Marshall, Polk, Norman, Kittson, and Traverse counties along the Red River in northwestern Minnesota. 

That will mean federal aid is on the way to supplement state and local efforts in the seven affected counties.

“We appreciate the assistance of our federal partners in fighting this historic flood,” Gov. Tim Pawlenty said.  “We’re putting everything we’ve got into this effort and it helps to have every level of government working side-by-side.”

 Also Thursday, Pawlenty issued an order that will allow for the use of temporary care facilities for health care treatment. It also allows health care providers with a medical license, certificate or permit issued anywhere in the United States or Canada to help out in the emergency, without having to get the licenses and permits normally required to practice in Minnesota. But they can work only by agreement with Minnesota health care providers, or under the direction of local authorities.

Last week, the governor declared a State of Emergency in Wilkin, Clay, Marshall, Polk, Norman, Kittson, and Traverse counties in the flood area.

The new order notes that the commissioner of health anticipates that hospitals in Southwest, West Central, and Northwest regions of the state might not have enough beds and supplies to treat additional patients and that temporary facilities might be needed. Already, some patients have been moved from nursing homes and care facilities.

 Officials also worry that there might be a shortage of health care providers, including veterinarians, to help in the flood area.