Rural Areas hit Hard

The two inundated farms at left, which are about two miles west of Sawyer, illustrate the impact that the flooding Mouse River had on rural areas throughout the river valley.

It is estimated nearly 200 rural homes went under, from the Canadian border in western North Dakota to the same border to the east.

C. W. Baker, a Ward County Commissioner, said it is estimated there will be losses of $85,000 to roads and bridges in rural areas of the county, $486,000 to rural residences, $625,000 to farm buildings, and $48,000 in crop losses.

The flood, he said, inundated 25 farmsteads and 75 rural homes.

Renville Country authorities said 22 families in the Sherwood area had to be evacuated, while McHenry County officials said it is too early to make accurate estimates since the river crested at Towner and on northward later than in Minot.