Floods in Wisconsin: Rescue Operations and a Growing Threat from Weakened Dams

In Wisconsin, heavy rain is causing massive flooding and rescue operations. On Friday, the Little Wolf River carved its way over the Manawa Dam after more than 12 centimeters of rain fell within four hours. Kurt Kotenberg, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Green Bay, reported that the flooding overwhelmed the dam at around 12:30 PM local time. Rescue teams worked tirelessly to free stranded drivers who attempted to escape the floods. Some individuals had to be rescued from the roofs of their vehicles. As of Friday afternoon, there were no reports of deaths or injuries resulting from the flood. The heavy rains in the Midwest over the past few weeks have once again revealed the susceptibility of dams in the region. Just last month, the Rapidan Dam in southern Minnesota was on the verge of failure. The Manawa Dam is located on the northern edge of the town of Manawa, near the Manawa Mill Pond. The town, with a population of about 1,400, is situated roughly 80 kilometers west of Green Bay. According to Kotenberg, it will take some time to determine if the dam is damaged. In a warning, the weather service advised Manawa residents to seek higher ground if possible. However, Kotenberg emphasized that residents should try to shelter in place rather than fleeing over flooded roads. The Waupaca County Sheriff's Office shared on Facebook that rescue teams are "diligently working" to assist endangered individuals in Manawa and urged residents not to enter the town. In another notice, residents of the affected area were advised to boil tap water before drinking it, as it may be contaminated.