Puerto Rican authorities are permanently guarding and monitoring the Guajataca Dam, which is located in the northwest of the island, after it suffered serious damage from Hurricane Maria.
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Around 320 residents living in areas at the greatest risk of catastrophic flooding in the case of a dam break were ordered to evacuate on Friday.
“We have been able to evacuate 320 people from the neighborhoods of Isabela and Quebradillas that would be affected in the case of a major break or collapse of the dam. We are confident that it would not be necessary to evacuate both municipalities completely,” Juan Vargas, the Secretary of Public Health of Isabela said.
The two municipalities in the area of the dam are home to around 70,000 people. Aroudn 8,000 have been placed under flash flood warning, according to the National Weather Service.
Flash Flood Warning for eastern Isabela & western Quebradillas until 2AM. Residents along Guajataca River seek higher ground now! #prwx pic.twitter.com/h6DcKN3KG3
— NWS San Juan (@NWSSanJuan) September 23, 2017
The National Weather Service announced on their twitter that the dam rupture is an “extremely dangerous situation” and that “all areas surrounding the Guajataca River should evacuate NOW. Their lives are in DANGER!”
The dam failure happened after Hurricane Maria slammed Puerto Rico, leaving the island possibly without power for several months. At least 15 people were killed there as a result of the storm.
Flash Flood Emergency for imminent dam break #LagoGuajataca continues. https://t.co/bSqMH5L7cE. If you live along #RioGuajataca? evacuate.
— NWS San Juan (@NWSSanJuan) September 22, 2017