Thousands in Michigan evacuate after 2 dams break

(KYMA, KECY)-Nearly 10,000 people are forced to evacuate their homes in Michigan after two dams collapsed.

AP News reports Michigan Gov. Gretchen said downtown Midland, a city of 42,000 about 8 miles (12.87 kilometers) downstream from the Sanford Dam, faced an especially serious flooding threat. Dow Chemical Co.’s main plant sits on the city’s riverbank.

“In the next 12 to 15 hours, downtown Midland could be under approximately 9 feet of water,” the governor said. “We are anticipating an historic high water level.”

According to the National Weather Service, flood warnings in Michigan were issued Sunday following widespread rainfall of 4 to 7 inches.

The evacuations include the towns of Edenville, Sanford and parts of Midland.

The governor declared a state of emergency for Midland County and urged residents to seek shelter that opened across the county. She encouraged people to do their best to take precautions to prevent the spread of coronavirus, such as wearing a face covering and observing social distancing “to the best of your ability.”