Manawa Dam in Wisconsin, located in Waupaca County, suffered major damage and was compromised due to heavy flooding on July 5, 2024. The dam along the Little Wolf River was in danger of collapsing after approximately six inches of rain fell between 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., causing evacuations for residents living downriver.
First responders noticed land near the dam eroding, leading to evacuation efforts beginning as early as 1:45 p.m.
The city of Manawa, with a population over 1,400 people, was under a boil water advisory due to the flooding. Several nursing homes were being evacuated as well. Those who couldn't evacuate were told to shelter in place.
Major flooding occurred from the Manawa Dam and the Little Wolf River, advising residents to seek higher ground. Reports of motorists stranded in high water and residents evacuating from areas downriver from the dam were widespread.
The National Weather Service reported major flooding from the Manawa Dam and the Little Wolf River, advising residents to seek higher ground. The city of Manawa also issued a statement saying that a nursing home was evacuated. Manawa Police Chief Jason Severson told reporters that officials believe the worst danger has passed, but it remains an 'active situation.'
The heavy rainfall came after a series of storms in recent weeks, leaving the ground saturated and unable to absorb any more water.
Manawa had nearly six inches of rain between 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., according to National Weather Service Green Bay Meteorologist Scott Cultice.
The Manawa Police Department issued a statement just after 2 p.m., warning people who live downriver from the dam to evacuate, and advising those in the area to avoid flooded roads and wade into flooded waters due to unknown contaminants in the water.
Evacuation shelters have been set up in a high school and a masonic center for residents affected by the floods.
The Manawa Dam, built in 1920, was compromised and had major damage. The city of Manawa is located about 55 miles west of Green Bay.
