Emergency services in southeast Texas have issued urgent evacuation orders after a significant structural breach was discovered in a major dam, raising fears of a potential failure.
Evacuation Order and Emergency Response
The crisis began on Saturday night when authorities first notified residents living south of the Carter Lake dam in Camden to leave their homes immediately. The initial alert followed a report from a local resident who witnessed "rushing water leaking from the dam."
Emergency crews conducted door-to-door visits to ensure the area was cleared after an eight-inch hole was confirmed in the dam's embankment. Officials estimate that 20-30 houses are located within the impacted evacuation zone.
Ongoing Efforts to Stabilise the Situation
In a statement, the Polk County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) detailed the response. The dam's owners have employed engineers who are actively working to pump water out of the lake to lower its level.
"The goal is to reduce the lake's water level about another 2 ft. from where it is currently to give the dam's property owners a better view of the extent of the damage," the office stated. Pumping crews are monitoring the operation overnight, with emergency partners watching the area of concern.
The county estimates that it may take up to 3 days to fully understand the damage and receive engineering assurance that the dam is stable and safe for residents to return.
Consequences for Displaced Residents
Evacuated residents are being urged to stay away from their homes for the foreseeable future. To support those displaced, an emergency shelter has been established at a local gym in Livingston.
A flash flood warning issued by the National Weather Service remains active in the area until 6:00 pm local time on Monday. The Polk County OEM has explicitly encouraged "persons residing in the evacuation area to avoid the area until further notice."
