Thousands in Michigan ordered to evacuate after dams fail, causing life-threatening floods. Evacuation orders are being made more difficult as the state continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic.
The risk of dangerous flooding from two failed dams in the central part of the state has initiated an evacuation order for thousands of people.
Governor Whitmer declared a state of emergency in Midland County after the Edenville and Sanford dams there were breached. The governor urged residents to evacuate immediately and “get somewhere safe.”
“This is unlike anything we’ve seen in Midland County,” said Whitmer. “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.”
The Weather Service said the river surged past its previous record of 33.89 feet and “life-threatening flood continues.”
“To go through this in the midst of a global pandemic is almost unthinkable,” Whitmer said. “But we are here, and to the best of our ability we are going to navigate this together.”
