Satellite images show the deluge of floodwater that hit Michigan towns after 2 dams failed
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Natalie Colarossi
May 22, 2020, 01:20 IST
A satellite image shows the flooded Isabella Street and homes after rising flood waters unleashed by two dam failures submerged parts of Midland, Michigan, U.S. May 20, 2020Satellite image 2020 Maxar Technologies/Handout via REUTERS
On Tuesday, the Edenville and Sanford dams collapsed in central Michigan, sending a massive amount of floodwater into nearby towns in Midland County.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency, and over 10,000 residents were evacuated as the National Weather Service warned that up to 9 feet of water could reach Midland.
Reports have shown the Edenville Dam had its power generation license revoked in 2018 due to longstanding safety violations.
No fatalities have been recorded and the extent of the damage so far is unknown, but these satellite photos reveal just how much flooding occurred.
The Edenville Dam was the first to fail, sending a surge of water into streets, homes, and businesses, and leading to the collapse of the Sanford Dam located on the Tittabawassee River.
By Wednesday, surrounding towns were submerged, and the National Weather Service issued a warning for residents of Midland County to evacuate amid concerns that up to 9 feet of flooding could hit the area.
As many as 10,000 people and 3,500 homes were affected by the evacuations, as people fled to nearby schools and family centers for shelter.
Though the full extent of the damage is not yet known, satellite photos show just how much flooding occurred throughout the region.
The floodwater knocked over power lines, submerged cars, and overtook entire streets. Residents located near the Tittabawassee River were told to seek higher ground as torrents of water ravaged through the area.
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So far, no deaths or injuries have been reported, and the full economic toll is not yet known.
In 2018, the dam's hydro-power generation license was ultimately revoked when the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission noted that its lack of spillway capacity could be dangerous.
The FERC had also reported that the firm had a history of noncompliance with safety regarding structural issues and water monitoring.
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