JEFFERSON CITY   •    Gov. Jay Nixon has ordered members of the Missouri National Guard to help local authorities respond to flooding in south-central Missouri.

Nixon’s office announced today that 50 military policemen would assist in areas that have experienced flash floods following recent heavy rain. Nixon declared a state of emergency Tuesday in response to flash flooding and at least one death near Waynesville.

“The citizen-soldiers of the Missouri National Guard are one of our most valuable assets in helping Missourians during and after natural disasters, and their skill and training will greatly assist state and local emergency responders in taking necessary action to save lives,” Nixon said in a statement this morning.

In addition to the military policemen, the Missouri State Highway Patrol also is aiding local emergency responders, with marine operations troopers and a rescue helicopter sent to the region. The State Emergency Management Agency also is working to provide additional support.

According to the governor’s office, those resources will remain in place “until the threat has passed.”