The Rapidan Dam in Blue Earth County, Minnesota, partially failed Monday after heavy rains and severe flooding.
The breach prompted local dam authorities to issue an emergency evacuation order to nearby residents in preparation for the worst-case scenario.
The B.B.C. Reports The flooding not only compromised the structural integrity of the dam but also caused significant damage to infrastructure.
Emergency services are actively managing the situation to ensure the safety of residents and mitigate further damage.
Blue Earth County Emergency Management officials posted on Facebook to keep people at immediate risk of flooding informed of the situation across Minnesota.
“The dam is currently intact and no evacuation orders have been issued for Blue Earth County residents,” officials said.
“The BEC Department of Public Works, Office of Emergency Management and the Sheriff’s Office are closely monitoring the situation.”
Heavy rains cause water levels to rise at Rapidan Dam near Mankato, Minnesota, Monday, June 24, 2024. Officials say the dam is in danger of “imminent failure.” (AP Photo/Mark VanCleave)
FOX 9 in Minneapolis The warning notice from the BEC stated that it was unclear whether the dam would completely fail or remain intact, but officials reported that they had deemed it necessary to issue a notice to inform residents downstream of the dam of the situation.
Mankato Police Department The fire department also posted on Facebook Monday afternoon warning that the water level at the dam was 28 feet.
The levee system is built to withstand a maximum river capacity of 39.5 feet.
Completed in 1910, the dam is owned by the county and has a hydroelectric generating capacity of 6 million watts. It is located about 70 miles southwest of Minneapolis.
