Western River Flooding

Members of the Coast Guard's Western River Flood Punt Team, from Marine Safety Detachment Quad Cities, traverse flooded streets in Forest View, Ill., during rescue efforts, April 20, 2013. The Western River Flood Punt Team supported other local agencies with evacuations and door-to-door  checks on residents. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Alan Haraf.

CHICAGO — The U.S. Coast Guard Western River Flood Punt Team is supporting the Forest View, Ill. Fire Department and other local agencies responding to floods caused by heavy rains throughout the past week.

The Western River Flood Punt Team, from Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment Quad Cities, arrived in Forest View on Friday with three boats and a crew of seven. Crewmembers have been going door to door in a 12 block section of town checking with residents who need evacuation or other assistance.

The Western River Flood Punt Team, composed of Coast Guard active duty and reserve members, deployse during inland flood events. Its crews use small, lightweight, flat bottom boats that are suitable for navigating flood waters in urban areas. The trailer-carried boats allow crews to rapidly respond to emergencies hundreds of miles from their home units.

Petty Officer 1st Class Todd George, of the Coast Guard's Western River Flood Punt Team, from Marine Safety Detachment Quad Cities, wades through flood waters in Forest View, Ill., during rescue efforts, April 20, 2013. The Western River Flood Punt Team supported other local agencies with evacuations and door-to-door checks on residents. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Alan Haraf.

Members of the Coast Guard's Western River Flood Punt Team, from Marine Safety Detachment Quad Cities, provide assistance to residents of Forest View, Ill., during flood rescue efforts, April 20, 2013. The Western River Flood Punt Team supported other local agencies with evacuations and door-to-door checks on residents. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Alan Haraf.