Massive flooding has occurred in Massachusetts: residents are being evacuated, there is a threat of dam failure

On the evening of September 11, heavy rainfall caused dangerous flash floods in central Massachusetts. Residents were evacuated and a state of emergency declared, reports Yahoo.

Photo: IStock

According to the National Weather Service, between 11 and 15 cm of rain fell in northeastern Worcester County on the evening of September 22. There, a flash flood warning was in effect until 8 a.m. on Sept. 12.

A flood emergency was declared in Leominster, about 64 miles northwest of Boston. Forecasters urged residents to quickly seek higher ground. Forecasters also said nearby towns including Fitchburg, Lunenburg and Sterling could also experience flash flooding.

“This is an extremely life-threatening situation,” the weather service said in a statement. “Do not attempt to travel unless you are leaving an area prone to flooding or have been ordered to evacuate.”

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By the evening of September 11, conditions in Leominster had become so severe that the city declared a state of emergency.

“Due to flooding and potential damage to facilities, schools will be closed on September 12th,” the city said in a statement on its website. One elementary school was used as a shelter. The flooding also led to changes in commuter train routes.

At least one nearby town, Hubbardston, sent a fire engine to Leominster to help rescue trapped people.

Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella toured the city by car on the evening of Sept. 11, showing washed out roads and damaged homes on his Facebook page.

“All the streets are flooded, believe me,” he said in a Facebook Live broadcast. At least one area of ​​Leominster was evacuated due to a nearby reservoir, he said.

On the morning of September 12, while inspecting the parking lot behind the shopping center, Mazzarella testified that water reached the door handles of some cars.
Mazzarella said the city hasn't seen such extensive damage since the 1936 hurricane. He said most buildings in the city center were flooded and some had collapsed. Railroad service to Boston was also disrupted.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency said on social media Sept. 12 that it would send 3000 sandbags to Leominster, as well as personnel to help with shelters for evacuated residents.

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said on social media early on Sept. 12 that flooding in Leominster and surrounding communities was "catastrophic." She spoke with Mazzarella and state agencies who were on the scene with rescue and emergency response teams. She will also visit flooded areas to assess the damage.

“It was really scary, the amount of water that fell in a short period of time and the incredible destruction that it caused,” Healey said, adding that she reached out to the Biden administration, the state's congressional delegation and the Federal Emergency Management Agency for help.

Dangerous dam

Leominster Emergency Management Director Arthur Elbthal said two of the city's 24 dams were damaged but were standing. He said the city is reinforcing them.

On the morning of Sept. 12, city officials said people living in areas near the North Nashua Creek and River in Leominster should "evacuate immediately" as a precaution "due to a potential problem at the Barrett Park Pond Dam."

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“This particular dam is what we are going to replace,” Mazzarella said.

The dam is an earthen structure 4,5 meters high. It is in poor condition and poses a significant danger. The database shows it was last reviewed in November 2017, although it is supposed to be reviewed every five years.

In 2021, the city received a $163 grant from the state to cover design and permitting costs associated with dam repairs.

“Water opened the door and flooded everything”

More rain forecast for September 13 in New England, reports TURNTO10. In Providence, Rhode Island, heavy rains flooded a parking lot and part of a shopping center. Firefighters used inflatable boats to rescue more than two dozen people trapped in their cars.

Dona Packard, who runs a home day care center in North Attleboro, looked across the street on the evening of Sept. 12 and saw a UPS truck floating in the water. Soon her yard was flooded.

“We ran downstairs. It was dry. We were delighted. I started lifting all the things from my kindergarten to high places. Suddenly the door swung open. The water was very strong. “She just opened the door and poured everything in,” she said. “The refrigerator just flew into the air and fell on its side. It was terrible".

On Sept. 13, a generator rumbled in the backyard as Packard and her husband counted their losses—$30 to $000 to repair the electrical system and get her business back on track.

“It’s terrible to see,” Packard said, her voice cracking.

Nathan Bonneau's North Attleboro home was deemed uninhabitable Sept. 12 after a building inspector assessed flood damage. He said the water rose 178 centimeters.

“It just kept getting worse,” Bonneau said. “I watched the water go from running down my garage floor to my front door in 35 minutes.”

Outside the shelter where at least 80 people were sleeping overnight, Leominster Schools Superintendent Paula Deacon said "it's been a very emotional rollercoaster for many."

“They don’t know what happened to their homes, many of them left with nothing,” she said.

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Scientists say that floods in different parts of the world are caused by climate change.

Matthew Barlow, a climate scientist at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, said heat caused by climate change means the air can hold more water.

“As long as fossil fuel emissions continue, the situation will get worse,” he said. “This will become more than just the new normal. This will be an interim step on the way to even more intensive systems unless we decide to dramatically reduce emissions."

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