The collapse of two dams, Edenville and Sanford following the days of heavy rain has forced the evacuation of about 10,000 people in the US state of Michigan. Michigan’s Governor Gretchen Whitmer has advised residents to “get somewhere safe, now”.
At 5:44 p.m. Tuesday, Midland County dispatch and emergency management reported that the Edenville Dam on the Tittabawassee River had collapsed, according to the National Weather Service.
Life-threatening flash flooding is moving through the area from the dam failures. The warning is in effect until 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, and is for the Tittabawassee river from the Sanford Dam, to the Chippawassee school area in East Central Midland County.
On Tuesday evening, The National Weather Service urged anyone near the river to seek higher ground following “castastrophic dam failures” at the Edenville Dam, about 140 miles (225.31 kilometers) north of Detroit, and the Sanford Dam, about seven miles (11.26 kilometers) downriver.
Just after 8:30 p.m., county dispatch said that failure of the Sanford Dam was imminent. By late Tuesday, the dam was breached. People down stream of the Sanford Dam were told to seek higher ground immediately because the impact of the situation could be deadly.
In response to the dam break, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued an emergency declaration for Midland County.
“The State Emergency Operations Center is already activated and fully engaged in the response,” according to a statement from the governor’s office. “State officials from multiple departments have been on-site throughout the day. We will share additional information as it becomes available.”
Two schools were opened for evacuees in the Midland area, about 140 miles north of Detroit, after the breach of Edenville Dam. The dam holds back Wixom Lake.
Shelters for residents have opened across Midland County and will remain open until further notice.
Gov.Whitmer said. “This is unlike anything we’ve seen in Midland County. If you have a family member or loved one who lives in another part of the state, go there now. If you don’t, go to one of the shelters that have opened across the county. I want to thank the emergency responders, Michigan National Guard members, and the Michigan State Police on the ground helping residents evacuate. Stay safe, and take care of each other.”
