Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has authorized deployment of a military helicopter and crew to assist with search and rescue operations in and around Sioux City in northwest Iowa.

Heavy rain in southeast South Dakota and northwest Iowa caused severe flooding. The four Army National Guard members departed Saturday afternoon and will start immediately, lasting through June 24.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Omaha District activated emergency operations and support for communities who might be, or have already been, impacted by flooding along the Missouri River and its tributaries.

News media reports indicate people in the affected area were told to evacuate, and in some cases, were airlifted from rooftops of homes and other buildings. The Nebraska crew and UH-60 (Black Hawk) helicopter will help the Iowa National Guard, which is already involved in rescue operations.

The request came from Iowa via the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, which allows for mutual assistance between states with authorization from the governor, Pillen’s office said.

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