The Rapidan Dam collapsed on Monday, forcing residents living in nearby low-lying areas to evacuate their homes.
The authorities issued a warning Description The dam was believed to have been in “imminent breach” before it collapsed, according to the Mankato Free Press.
The dam was constructed between 1908 and 1910 on the Blue Earth River in Blue Earth County, Minnesota. according to Blue Earth County government website. Rapidan Township is the closest populated area. Mankato, population 45,000 or more, is at risk of flooding, the Daily Mail reported. report. (Related article: Trump nears parity in Minnesota)
🚨BREAKING NEWS: A dam in Minnesota is currently in critical condition and at imminent risk of bursting.
pic.twitter.com/AYFljgeX2P— The Calvin Coolidge Project (@TheCalvinCooli1) June 24, 2024
The Mankato Free Press reported that the breach was caused by torrential rains the area received in recent days and debris building up in the river.
Officials in the four counties most affected by the emergency issued statements ahead of the dam's “imminent failure” declaration, reassuring residents that flood protection systems built as a precaution against the dam's failure could withstand flooding, the media reported.
According to North Mankato city officials, local officials ordered the construction of a levee system to protect the densely populated area. press releaseAs of this evening, the levee had reached 34.6 feet and the water level had reached 28.92 feet.
“City crews continue to monitor river levels and the condition of Rapidan Dam. If Rapidan Dam were to fail, engineers on the ground predict river levels could rise between six inches and two feet depending on where downstream is,” the press release continued.
The fail-safe was designed to protect against water up to 39.5 feet high, according to the Mankato Free Press.
National Weather Service issued A flood warning has been issued for the area, which is set to last until 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, according to CBS News.
Residents began evacuating low-lying areas in Blue Earth County due to active floodwaters. according to News Nation. Authorities have reportedly warned residents throughout the region to prepare to evacuate.
Local police cannot force evacuations, with such power reportedly left to the governor, according to the Daily Mail.
