Nashville, Illinois, a small city with a population of approximately 3,000, is in a state of emergency as officials warn of an imminent failure of the city’s dam.
The alert came after severe storms pummeled the region, leading to substantial flooding that has overwhelmed local infrastructure. Over six hours on Tuesday, more than 5 inches of rain fell, exacerbating the situation.
The Washington County Emergency Management Agency issued a dire warning on social media: “Attention The Failure of the Nashville dam is imminent. Please evacuate your home at this time. If you are in the grey box, you need to evacuate now!” This urgent message prompted a swift evacuation order for residents in the affected areas.
Red Cross sets up shelter as Nashville faces potential dam breach and severe damage.The Nashville dam, situated behind the Nashville City Reservoir, is 740 feet long and 26 feet tall, according to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
As a precautionary measure, roads have been closed, and the American Red Cross has activated emergency services. A shelter has been set up at 680 W Walnut St in Nashville for those in need of immediate refuge.
The National Weather Service in St. Louis, about 55 miles northwest of Nashville, issued a flash flood warning earlier in the day.
Despite the grave situation, the Washington County Emergency Management Agency reported that the immediate threat has diminished, thanks to the secondary dam’s effective response. However, repairs to the Nashville Reservoir will be necessary to ensure the dam’s long-term stability.
Residents have been given the option to return to their homes if they feel safe doing so, though the area faces significant property damage.
No injuries or fatalities have been reported at this time. Recovery and cleanup efforts are underway, and officials are urging patience as the community works to restore normalcy.