Evacuations Ordered as Rapidan Dam Fails After Heavy Rains

Monday morning brought a double dose of bad news for residents of Le Sueur County, Minnesota. The already swollen Blue Earth River, surging from days of relentless rain, finally overwhelmed the 114-year-old Rapidan Dam, causing a complete failure.

With rising floodwaters threatening lives and property downstream, Le Sueur County Emergency Management issued a mandatory evacuation order for residents in low-lying areas of the Minnesota River Valley. The National Weather Service joined the chorus of warnings, issuing a flash flood warning that remains in effect until 4:30 pm today.

The situation began to deteriorate on Sunday when debris began accumulating at the dam, raising concerns about its structural integrity. Blue Earth County Sheriff’s officials declared the dam to be “in imminent failure condition” by Sunday evening.

Those concerns became a terrifying reality on Monday morning when dam operators confirmed that the surrounding soil had eroded, leading to the dam’s collapse. The National Weather Service predicts the surge of water will cause the Minnesota River at Mankato to crest just below major flood stage by Tuesday morning.

While the immediate threat is focused on Le Sueur County, residents downstream along the Minnesota River are urged to stay alert and monitor official warnings from local authorities.

This is a developing story. Keep checking back for updates as they become available.

Here are some resources for residents affected by the flooding:

• Le Sueur County Emergency Management: You can find their contact information by searching online or calling your local non-emergency number.
• National Weather Service: Visit the National Weather Service website or call their national hotline for the latest updates.
• Minnesota River Valley Emergency Relief Coalition: Search online for the Minnesota River Valley Emergency Relief Coalition or similar organizations offering assistance.

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