Flooding Crisis in Massachusetts
In a dire turn of events, a Massachusetts city finds itself grappling with “Catastrophic Flooding” that has not only wreaked havoc on hundreds of homes but has also raised concerns about the stability of a crucial dam. Governor Maura Healey declared a state of emergency in Massachusetts in response to the unfolding disaster, which began on Monday and inflicted extensive damage to residential areas, businesses, and critical infrastructure, including bridges, dams, and railways.
North Attleborough: A Watery Nightmare
As the storm raged on, approximately a dozen homes in North Attleborough were submerged underwater, according to Chris Coleman, the town’s fire and emergency management chief. Shockingly, nearly 200 homes in and around North Attleborough suffered damage as a result of the rapid deluge, which deposited around 5 inches of rain onto already saturated ground due to a preceding weekend storm. Governor Healey expressed her shock at the devastation wrought by the intense rainfall in such a short span of time.
Fortunately, no civilian injuries were reported from the North Attleborough flooding. However, a firefighter sustained injuries but was in stable condition, as reported by Coleman.
Governor Healey noted that the extensive flooding had severely impacted two dams, damaged railroad tracks, and necessitated the nighttime evacuation of several seniors by boat, underlining the gravity of the situation.
Leominster’s Torrential Downpour
Leominster, another city in Massachusetts, was not spared from the relentless deluge. Mayor Dean Mazzarella revealed that the city experienced a staggering 11 inches of rain in just six to seven hours. Consequently, several basements in Leominster found themselves inundated with water. Some homes even had their foundations exposed due to the force of the water.
Although there were no reports of serious injuries, the mayor mentioned that emergency evacuations were conducted using hovercrafts and boats to ensure the safety of residents.
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) issued an urgent evacuation notice due to concerns about the Barrett Park Pond Dam. Mayor Mazzarella described this dam as “very sensitive” and prone to saturation. With worries about downstream consequences, a code red alert was issued to residents along the stream bank, urging them to evacuate.
Additionally, the status of Leominster’s schools remained uncertain, with some schools experiencing significant damage and flooding while others were repurposed as shelters for displaced residents.
The aftermath of the deluge revealed washed-out roads and a sizable sinkhole, highlighting the extensive destruction caused by the flooding.
Continued Risks and Ongoing Response
While the rainfall has somewhat subsided in Leominster, Mayor Mazzarella cautioned that it would take time for the rivers to reach their peak levels, implying that the threat was far from over.
Providence, Rhode Island, also grappled with treacherous flooding, leading to a flash flood warning. Thankfully, rescue crews managed to assist at least 30 individuals who were trapped in vehicles and buildings as the waters rose, with no reported injuries.
The Northeast, including central Massachusetts, remains on alert for excessive rainfall late Wednesday and early Thursday, as per the Weather Prediction Center. Furthermore, the track of Hurricane Lee could bring more rain to Massachusetts and eastern New England over the weekend, compounding the challenges faced by the affected regions.
Governor Healey affirmed that local and state agencies are actively addressing the damages caused by the storms. An emergency declaration was in preparation, underscoring the commitment to manage the crisis effectively.
