North Carolina Dam's Structural Supports Compromised
The remnants of Hurricane Helene have caused torrential rains across the southeastern US, particularly affecting Florida's Big Bend region and the Carolinas. In western North Carolina, officials have issued urgent evacuation orders, warning residents to move to higher ground due to the potential of a dam collapse.
Rutherford County Emergency Management, in a Facebook post, informed residents that the "structural supports" of Lake Lure Dam have been compromised but are currently holding.
Evacuations Underway
Residents from the Dam to Island Creek Road have been evacuated. Evacuation sirens are sounding downstream of the dam. Emergency personnel are working with structural engineers and are going house to house to ensure all citizens have been evacuated, according to a post by Rutherford County officials on Facebook.
Earlier, Rutherford County officials had urged residents around the dam to evacuate to higher ground immediately, warning of an imminent dam failure.
Impact on Neighbors in Cleveland County
The dam failure could also affect residents in Cleveland County. The sheriff's office has asked anyone who lives along Waterway Drive, Abes Mountain Road, and the Broad River to evacuate.
Lake Lure is a small lake town located about 30 miles east of Asheville. The town is next to Chimney Rock, which is home to an iconic North Carolina hike of the same name.
Emergency Situation
The situation is developing, with at least 50 patients and staff reportedly trapped on the roof of Unicoi County Hospital in Tennessee. Emergency crews have attempted to evacuate people by ambulance and boats, but the water began rising rapidly and is moving too quickly.
Infrastructure Damage
In addition, I-40 will be closed for months due to washout between Knoxville, TN and Asheville, NC. This is a major development, with the Lake Lure NC Dam on the verge of bursting and evacuations initiated.
Another dam, the Waterville Dam, has suffered a catastrophic failure, leading to the evacuation of all of Downtown Newport, according to Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis.
Bottom Line
This situation is a stark reminder of the power of nature and the devastating impact it can have on infrastructure and communities. The potential dam failure and its consequences highlight the importance of emergency preparedness and the need for robust, resilient infrastructure. What are your thoughts on this situation? Share this article with your friends and let them know about the ongoing situation in North Carolina. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.
