Rapidan Dam

Rapidan Dam Failure Imminent, Officials Warn

Urgent Evacuations Ordered as River Levels Rise

Residents in Danger Zone Advised to Leave Immediately

Mankato, MN (June 24, 2024) - Local emergency management officials have issued an urgent warning to residents near the Rapidan Dam, located about 14 miles south of Mankato. The dam is in imminent failure condition due to rising water levels caused by heavy rainfall.

The Rapidan Dam is a 114-year-old concrete gravity dam on the Blue Earth River. According to officials, debris from the rushing waters is damaging the structure, putting it at risk of collapse.

Evacuations have been ordered for all residents within a two-mile radius of the dam. Authorities are urging people to leave their homes immediately and seek safety in higher ground.

The dam failure could have catastrophic consequences for the surrounding area. Officials estimate that it could release millions of gallons of water, flooding homes and businesses.

Residents who are unable to evacuate should follow these safety precautions:

• Stay away from windows.
• Secure loose objects outside your home.
• Be prepared to seek higher ground if flooding occurs.

Emergency responders are on the scene and are working to mitigate the situation. However, officials are stressing that the dam failure is imminent and residents need to evacuate immediately.

For more information and updates, please visit the website of the Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office.