Residents living downstream of a dam in Wisconsin that broke due to flooding have been given permission to return to their homes after being evacuated. The breach in the dam, located in Manawa along the Little Wolf River, occurred on Friday afternoon, caused by heavy rainfall that led to erosion of a 50-foot-wide section. Approximately 5 inches of rain fell in just a few hours, according to the National Weather Service.
An evacuation order was issued for homes south of the dam in Manawa, but it was lifted at 5 p.m. on Friday after the floodwaters receded and the affected highway reopened. Dozens of homes in the community of around 1,200 people were evacuated temporarily. Fortunately, no injuries were reported following the dam breach.
The main focus of cleanup efforts in Manawa will involve residents dealing with flooded basements, as high water levels resulted in property damage for some. Although two local roads will require repairs due to flood damage, the immediate concern is assisting those whose homes were affected.
Furthermore, while an emergency shelter at the high school and a Masonic lodge were closed after residents returned home, the city’s wastewater treatment plant remains offline due to flooding. A boil-water order is currently in place for the city as a precaution.
Christine Boissonnault, who sought refuge at the high school shelter after being evacuated from her mobile home, expressed shock at the extent of the flood damage in Manawa. A Wisconsin Department of Transportation official inspected the dam area and reported that it seems intact apart from erosion on one side.
The National Weather Service has cautioned that more rain and possible thunderstorms are expected throughout the weekend and into the early part of next week. Residents are urged to stay prepared for further inclement weather conditions.
