Edenville Dam Collapses, Forcing 10,000 People to Flee

Several news outlets have reported that the Edenville Dam has been the subject of multiple investigations over safety violations over the past two years.

On May 19, 2020, 5:46 pm, due to flooding on the Tittabawassee River, the eastern side of the dam collapsed, prompting immediate evacuations in the town of Edenville and the city of Midland.

The Sanford Dam, about 16 km downstream of the Edenville Dam and 9.7 km upstream of the city of Midland, subsequently overflowed.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency. Governor Whitmer maintained that an investigation will be made into the operators of the dams, as they may face legal action.

Before 9 a.m on May 20, the Tittabawassee River had reached 10.58 m and rising.

In central Michigan, about 10,000 residents had to be evacuated and were cautioned to put on protective gear and maintain social distancing, as the state was still under emergency measures to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.

As of the morning of May 20, no casualties were recorded as a result of the flooding, the city’s spokeswoman Selina Tisdale added.