The aftermath of catastrophic Edenville Dam collapse, Michigan
About 10 000 people living in the towns of Edenville, Sanford, and Midland in central Michigan were forced to evacuate on May 19, 2020, after days of heavy rainfall caused catastrophic failure of Edenville and Sanford dams.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued flash flood emergencies along the entire Tittabawassee River in Midland County on May 20, with downstream effects expected from Midland to Saginaw. It was the second time in 24 hours that people were prompted to flee.
The river crested at record 10.68 m (35.05 feet) on the same day, breaking the previous record of 10.32 m (33.89 feet) set in 1986.
The devastating aftermath of the Edenville dam collapse was documented in these videos by Jordan Mowbray.
Jordan filmed the following video on May 21, two days after the collapse.
"Wixom Lake was rapidly rising due to heavy rainfall and the dam could not hold back the water. The side of the dam failed, sending water rushing towards Sanford Village. The aftermath and damage left behind are devastating," Jordan noted.
His latest update with amazing imagery and interviews was posted on Sunday, June 7:
Videos courtesy Jordan Mowbray
Featured image copyright Jordan Mowbray (used with permission)
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Under enjineered
Under engineered as is much of the infrastructure in the US. Better to build it right than twice.
U
Whitmer and Michigan’s attorney general are proof that elections have consequences. 2019 was very wet and – obviously – the earthen dams were waterlogged. The dam owner asked for permission to lower the water level to take pressure off the earthen structure. The Attorney General put an injunction on the lowering of the water level so in order to protect some freshwater shell life. Then 12 inches of rain came in two sets of storms.
Bottom line. If you vote and support ideology then don’t expect a wise government.
Instead of locking down the state, maybe Governor Whitmer should have set up a schedule for infrastructure repair. She ran on improving infrastructure. How’s that going?