A partial failure of the Rapidan dam in Blue Earth County, Minnesota, was reported on Monday, attributed to the effects of heavy rain and intense flooding. The BBC reported that the floodwaters compromised the structural integrity of the dam, causing significant damage to nearby infrastructure.
Emergency officials from Blue Earth County took to social media to keep residents informed of the situation, reassuring the public that there was no evacuation order in place for Blue Earth County residents. However, they did caution that the dam’s integrity was being closely monitored by public works, emergency management, and the sheriff’s office.
According to FOX 9 in Minneapolis, an alert notification was issued by the Blue Earth County Public Works department, stating that the dam’s fate was uncertain and that residents downstream of the dam should be aware of the situation. Mankato Police and Fire also issued a warning on Facebook, noting that the water level at the dam had reached 28 feet, significantly higher than the levee system’s designed capacity of 39.5 feet.
