Urgent Evacuation Ordered After Texas Dam Breach
Residents in a Texas neighbourhood have been instructed to evacuate their homes immediately following a dam breach at Carter Lake Dam in Camden that officials fear could trigger significant flooding. The urgent alert was issued by Polk County Emergency Management on Saturday night via an official Facebook post.
Areas at Immediate Risk
Authorities have identified specific neighbourhoods that may lie directly in the path of potential floodwaters if the structure fails completely. Homes south of the dam, particularly those located along Henry Darden Rd, Marie Rd, Community Dr, Bo Peep, Herb Collins Rd, and Girard, are considered to be in the trajectory of danger.
The emergency management agency shared a detailed map highlighting the at-risk properties in red, emphasising that residents in these zones must follow evacuation orders without delay. All other residents have been advised to stay completely clear of the affected area while the situation is assessed.
Emergency Shelter and Safety Measures
In their alert, officials stated that this precaution is necessary to ensure public safety while experts evaluate the dam's condition, especially as nighttime conditions were hindering their ability to assess the seriousness of the damage.
Residents leaving their homes are advised to seek safe shelter with friends or family wherever possible. For those unable to find alternative accommodation, emergency officials have designated Dunbar Gym at 1103 Dunbar Avenue in Livingston as a safe shelter.
It remains unclear exactly how many homes or residents are affected by the evacuation order, as property owners continue to assess the extent of the damage and potential risk. Authorities are strongly encouraging residents to keep checking for updates from local emergency management and to follow any new evacuation or safety orders that may be issued in the coming hours.
As of 11pm on Saturday, Polk County Emergency Management officials had not provided any additional details regarding the ongoing situation.
