Bismarck, N.D. – North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong declared a statewide disaster following deadly storms across the state Friday night.
Armstrong also activated the State Emergency Operations Plan, which includes directing state agencies to focus on recovery and response efforts.
It also allows for coordination with the federal government during the cleanup and restoration process.
“Our hearts and sympathies go out to the family and friends of the three North Dakotans who tragically lost their lives in Friday’s tornado and to the close-knit community in Enderlin, which suffered widespread damage,” Armstrong said.
“We thank our dedicated first responders and community leaders, including our many volunteer first responders, for their swift action to keep residents safe and help them recover.”
As of Saturday morning, the governor’s office says around 25,000 people remained without power, which is down from almost 37,000 during the height of the storm activity.
“North Dakotans are resilient,” wrote Armstrong. “We will recover from this as we always do – by working together and taking care of each other.”
