Footage captured the heart-wrenching moment when a family's home, perched precariously on the edge of the Blue Earth River, collapsed into the waters following historic flooding in Minnesota. The home belonged to Jenny Barnes and her family, who have operated The Dam Store at the Rapidan Dam for over 50 years.
Jenny Barnes, whose family has run The Dam Store since 1972, had predicted the collapse. "It’ll happen. We don’t know when but it’s going to be inevitable that the house is going to go," Barnes told KARE just days before the tragic event.
The Rapidan Dam, built between 1908 and 1910, has long faced scrutiny over its structural integrity. Recent torrential rains strained the dam, leading to severe erosion of the foundations of Barnes' home. The final collapse occurred on Tuesday, following days of relentless rainfall and flooding.
The Night of the Collapse
Barnes recounted waking up early Monday morning to the sound of explosions near the dam. The noises were later identified as the failure of an electrical substation, overwhelmed by the flooding. By Monday evening, Barnes' brother and father, who were inside the home, were forced to evacuate as the dam's condition worsened.
Footage from the scene showed powerful currents flowing over the dam, eroding the land beneath the Barnes’ home. By Tuesday evening, the inevitable happened—the house was washed away.
Residents of the area gathered around the river to witness the collapse. Many shared fond memories of The Dam Store, a local favorite known for its homemade pies. "For some people, this is a historic monument. For us, it's a life-altering event," resident Shannon Whittet told CBS News.
John Lippman, another local, reminisced about his childhood visits to the store: "We grew up going there and getting pie. I mean, do a route, get a Pepsi, get a little ice cream, and used to go play in the river down there."
Official Statements and Actions
In response to the flooding and potential dam failure, Blue Earth County Emergency Management issued an alert, advising downstream residents to be prepared for evacuation. "We do not know if it will totally fail or if it will remain in place," the agency stated.
The National Weather Service warned that the river levels could rise significantly, potentially impacting the area around Mankato. Citizens in low-lying areas of the Minnesota River Valley were urged to evacuate as officials continued to monitor the dam's condition.
Governor Tim Walz and state emergency response officials acknowledged the longstanding concerns about the dam's structural integrity. "I know the structural integrity of the dam has been a question for a long time," Gov. Walz said.
Historical Significance
The Rapidan Dam, measuring 87 feet high and 475 feet long, is a concrete structure built by the Ambersen Hydraulic Construction Company. For years, its condition has raised concerns, which have now culminated in this catastrophic event.
Officials are currently following the Rapidan Dam Emergency Action Plan, which outlines procedures for responding to such failures and assisting affected residents.
As the Barnes family and the local community come to terms with the loss of their home and business, efforts are underway to assess the full impact of the dam's deterioration. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the need for vigilant maintenance of aging infrastructure. The coming days will be crucial as officials continue to monitor the river and ensure the safety of all affected residents.
Images credits: www.dailymail.co.uk
English (United States) ·