Approximately 200 Illinois National Guard soldiers have been activated to assist with the state’s ongoing flood fight operations. The soldiers will assist in sandbagging operations and levee monitoring and reinforcement. Pritzker earlier this month issued a disaster proclamation for flooding in 34 Illinois counties. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency has said it is the longest-lasting flood event since the Great Flood of 1927, with levee saturation levels in critical condition. State officials are issuing an urgent plea to residents in river communities to prepare for potential evacuations due to the threat of rising floodwaters. (Central Illinois Proud)